Selflessness is not such a strong concept to grasp, in actual truth the scriptures gives us several references with which to equip our spiritual minds. Do you put the needs of others before your own? Are you daily-consciously choosing to serve others first to include; family, neighbors, church body, co-workers, community, and even strangers that you don’t like? The challenge is to put your words into action, the bible has simple instructions when it comes to being a faithful, and dependable leader. Philippians 2:3-4 “ Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his (own / her own) interests, but also to the interests of others. It means having an attitude of humility, not trying to compete against others, making others concerns a first priority.

We are created with abilities and talents to bring Christ glory, not ourselves. In the military environment I had often found that others sought personal gain and honor. Our world has a culture which influences getting ahead by any means, including stepping on others to reach the top. The kingdom of Christ is quite the opposite, Mark 10:43-45 says “ Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Christ’s Kingdom has a different viewpoint on serving others selflessly, it means even to the point of death if the mission requires it. Let me honestly ask you: are you willing to become that kind of leader if necessary? Like actually taking a bullet, or jumping on something dangerous?

The sad truth is most people won’t even go out of their own way, especially if it inconveniences them, or makes the uncomfortable. Our society is full of men, and some women who refuse to give their time, much less money, or life. John 15:13 “Greater love has no man this: that he lay down his life for his friend”. Wherever we are at; school, job, home, church, or community the focus needs to be doing things for the benefit of others. 1 Corinthians 14:26 “What then brothers when you come together; each one has (paraphrased something): Let all things be done for the benefit and edification of the whole” In the US Army I remember that obstacles were designed to test the strength, endurance, and problem solving skills of the team. Often times I saw members of my squad would pick up slack; encouraging & motivating the weaker individual struggling.

This is what it means to lead by example: one of the best examples I can recall is when the team completed a challenge, we discussed what we learned together. A strong team has members who speak up on what they can do to make improvements in the future. Leadership involves some level of nurturing: it was “morale” in the military-it meant the overall: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well being of any individual under your care. I believe one of the strong traits of leadership is being a light to others in a dark, and painful world. Taking the focus off yourself enables you to recognize the needs of others, and then take appropriate actions to guide them in the right direction. Matthew 5:16 says “Therefore let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify you Father in heaven” God help us to see others like you do

Are you willing to become one of the next men, or women who will stand up in the gap for what is right, and Holy in the sight of Jesus Christ ? Sometimes it means taking a job that no one else wants to do, or fulfill a need that hasn’t been met. In our human experience daily we are bombared with voices, or influences like social media telling us what to think, and do. The wisdom of scripture has a different approach for us to follow: God said something insightful, and impacting to Ezekiel, (chapter 22, verse 30) “I looked for a someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap. We need to open our eyes to others; fixing, and filling others needs. Its our hearts desire to seize every opportunity to mentor, and coach, teaching the next generation of young leader how to apply the principles of leadership found in scripture in your lives.