3 Questions of Leadership Surrender by Jamal Maxsam
While every leader acknowledges sacrifice is a part of leadership, especially when leading a business, for us who lead from a Kingdom perspective the sacrifice may look different than we think.
As Kingdom business owners, our assignment is to allow our businesses to be a tool by which Jesus can be manifested.
Everyone we interact with, even while doing business, should experience Jesus. This focus on allowing Jesus to be manifested through our business causes us to show we are His disciples in the marketplace.
Discipleship has a cost; with discipleship is a cross. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to take up our cross and follow Him. As we follow Him to new levels of influence, I believe He will ask us questions that will help us assume the posture needed to experience all He has for us. Here are three of them:
- Do you love me more than these (John 21:15-17)? After Jesus was crucified Peter returned to fishing and the other disciples followed him. This is the same business Peter left to follow Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus went to the shore and observed them fishing without success. Jesus called them to the shore where He had fish waiting for them. While eating, He asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” This question allows us to examine whether we love Him more than the path we desire to go, or the thing that previously brought us success.
- Can you drink the cup (Matthew 20:20-23 KJV)? The mother of two of Jesus’ disciples asked Him if her sons could sit in the highest place of leadership when He came into His Kingdom, one on His right and the other on His left. Jesus responded by asking if they could drink the cup. This question is asking if we are willing to accept the responsibility that accompanies leadership. Are we willing to steward those we lead, the business, the anointing that causes business success, and our heart posture well? Leadership is not about receiving honor; it is about honoring God and serving people.
- Will you sacrifice your Isaac (Genesis 22)? God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations; all the nations of the Earth would be blessed through him. For that promise to be a reality, Abraham had to trust God for his first child during a time when he and his wife Sarah were past the age of normal childbearing. This Word from God launched them on a faith journey that would take 25 years to see the beginning of its fulfillment. After they finally arrived in the place of seeing the fulfillment, God instructed Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
While Abraham did not have to ultimately sacrifice Isaac, this question reveals if we will allow our relationship with God to take preeminence over the promise. Do we value the promise that God has given us more than relationship with God Himself? This question will help us keep our identity in God, not in our accomplishments. The answer to this question will help prevent the fulfillment of God’s promise from becoming an idol as we value relationship with Jesus over the blessing.
This week, think about what God is asking you to surrender. Receive the grace to surrender all to Jesus.
