Acts 3:1-10
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
My family and I decided to take a road trip back in 2008. We were going to go to Chicago for a few days then over to the Mall of America (my wife's idea). After that we were to head out to Mount Rushmore and then back home. All in all this was about a 10 day road trip.
So, as any good man would do I started to plan out the trip. As my wife looked into my eyes she could see something that is very familiar to her. I started to transformed into this creature that she does not like. She call's me "Drill Sargent Kincaid!" I go into "mission" mode. My wife took me by the hand and sat me down. Looked deep into my eyes and said with a very firm voice, "you are not going to ruin this vacation!" I replied, "Yes Ma'am!" My wife wanted to be able to enjoy the journey not accomplish a mission!
When I get into this mode of behavior I tend to miss the enjoyment of the journey. I am not able to look at the scenery and take in all of the beauty that God has laid out for us. I forget that its a journey that we want to experience not the mission.
As a leader we need to remember that its more important to experience the journey than to accomplish the mission. John Maxwell shares the same philosophy when he states, "Don't be goal oriented. Be growth oriented." There is nothing wrong with having goals. But that should never be the sole purpose! Our purpose for leadership should be to grow and help others to grow.
In this passage of scripture we see 4 things that helps us to understand this idea of leadership being a journey not a mission.
1. A Leader needs to HEAR! (Vs 3-4a)
Leaders have a tendency to be so focused that we develop tunnel vision. In that state we tend to become deaf to the people we are trying to lead. Make sure you stop to listen. I learned something of great value when it comes to listening from a friend of mine years ago: Look people directly in the eye and don't be thinking of a response until after they are finished. Listening is part of the journey.
2. A Leader needs to CARE! (Vs 4b)
I find that leaders can present themselves as someone who is only concerned with their progress or climb to the top. In this journey we need to remember to bring others along. If we are out leading and no one if following then we are not leading we are soloing it . Leadership is influence but if there is no one there to influence then we are not leading. We should influence because we care. Caring is part of the journey.
3. A Leader needs to GIVE! (Vs 6-7)
To often the idea of a leader is someone who receives the accolades, receives the bonuses, or receives credit for the project. But the truth is the leader should never want the accolade, the credit, or the perks. A leader is someone who will want to give more of themselves than receive for themselves. Leadership requires sacrifice. Sacrificing your time, your energy, and your individual wants. Giving is a sacrifice but one that is worth it in the end. Giving is part of the journey!
4. A Leader needs to RELEASE!
We never know what happens to the beggar who was healed. but we do know that at some point in time Peter and John parted ways with him. The same will be true with individuals you may be leading or mentoring. There will come a time when you need to release them. This should never be looked at as a negative but as a positive. We are commanded in the scriptures to "go and makes disciples." No were does it say to keep them and never let them go off to do the same. We as leaders need to invest then release. Invest in those individuals that God has brought into our lives and then release them to go and invest into others. Releasing is part of the journey!
I hope that as a leader you don't become so mission minded that you forget that it is a journey. A journey that is to be enjoyed. This journey will consist of listening to people, caring for them, giving to them our time and energy, and releasing them. So from me to you I say "enjoy the journey my friend!"
God Bless
Pastor Rod
