The desire and ambition to be a leader is a very good thing. Leaders make good things happen for others. But the whybehind the desire to lead is crucial to understand. If we have a leader who is motivated by the wrong thing, the Church is in for trouble.
The need to be needed, the desire to be the focus of attention (selfishness), and wanting to be “in charge” will drive some folks into leadership, and will drive those around them to flee. Ulterior motives such as bringing down an enemy, making lots of money, manipulating others to serve and gaining notoriety are poison that will quickly kill an organization.
On the other hand, sacrificing for the good of the movement, serving others, uniting and building up the Church, and moving the Church toward the Lord’s will are all pure and godly motives for leading.
I Thessalonians 5:13 teaches us: “And we beseech you, brethren, that you come to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” “Know those” really means to acknowledge our leaders, but there is much to be said for knowing, understanding motives and discerning the intents and desires of an aspiring leader in the Church.
Let’s check our motives and remain pure in our desires. Let’s not be influenced or fooled by someone who is, with impure motives, chomping at the bit to take the reins. Let’s seek the Lord for discernment, let’s fast and pray for motives to be revealed, and let’s anticipate the Spirit’s direction in who will lead.
Thoughts on Life and Leading 