We are in a series discussing ‘new wineskins’ of leadership paradigms and practices. Today I am going to discuss the first paradigm found in the passage introduced last week.
Paradigm #1 – A Man Receives Nothing Apart from God
As leaders we have a tendency to misinterpret our ministries, giftings, resources, influence, etc. It is extremely easy to look at the impact we possess, the talents we have, and the measure of our resources as a natural extension of our own personal achievements, dedication, leadership principles, or charisma. Many leaders are unable to rightly view these things, and in turn cause themselves great problems in leading others, rightly stewarding their resources, and evaluating their success.
John begins his discourse on his ministry by declaring, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven” (John 3:27). John did not see his ministry as related to his natural skill set, his own personal dedication, or his charisma. Rather, John saw the influence, and ultimately the people, of his ministry as a gift from heaven. Thus, the first leadership paradigm found in this passage is that we as leaders receive nothing in our ministries apart from God.
We must recognize that any measure of resources, influence, position, or gifting we possess is not directly tied to our skill set. Any position you have been given must be seen as a gift from the Lord. The psalmist states that “not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation [promotion]; but God is the Judge; he puts down one and exalts another” (Ps 75:6-7).
Seeing our ministries in this light will drastically change the way we approach our ministry and interpret our success. If our ministries, influence, and resources are directly related to our own personal abilities, than we will spend all our time fighting to network, be noticed, or promoted. Then, once we attain the ministry or position we fought for, we will go to great lengths in fighting to keep it and hold on to it.
If we see our ministries, and ultimately the people affected by them, as a gift from heaven than we do not necessarily have to fight to attain them. When greater measures of influence, honor, or responsibility are given to us we can faithfully steward them as a gift. Yet, if the time for our place in that ministry is done, we can graciously allow the seasons to change, and even accept ‘demotion’ in the eyes of man as a gift from heaven, not having to expend costly energy to hold on to our ministry. We do not have to fight to hold on to it, because we did not earn it in our own strength, but were given it as a gift.
Possessing this outlook on ministry and leadership keeps us from developing an entitlement spirit related to our positions. We do not intrinsically ‘deserve’ a certain measure of influence, a certain network, or a certain position of leadership. These are all gifts from the hand of God, given at the time in which He deems right, not as places we are due because of our gifting, charisma, or exceptional leadership skills.
We must view any measure of influence that we have as a gift from God and treat it as such. This will help keep our hearts aligned with what is truly important in the kingdom.