Sometimes when you read the New Testament carefully… you begin to notice something uncomfortable: God is not looking for impressive leaders… He is forming men and women who have first been shaped by Him.
Because Christian leadership does not begin in public… it begins in private.
And this is where everything changes.
Jesus said it without softening it, and almost no one wants to fully accept it:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27)
That’s not a nice phrase… it’s a principle that confronts pride.
Because the world teaches you to climb… but Christ teaches you to go down.
And if we’re honest… going down is hard.
It’s hard when you know you’re capable, when you could take control, when you could impose your authority… but instead you choose to serve, to stay quiet, to wait.
That’s where true leadership begins.
Look at what Paul the Apostle wrote to his disciple:
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach…” (1 Timothy 3:2)
Interesting… it doesn’t start with talent or charisma.
It starts with character.
Because in God’s Kingdom… who you are matters more than what you do.
And here’s something even deeper:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
That changes everything.
A Christian leader does not control… he guides.
He does not dominate… he sets an example.
He does not use people… he cares for them.
But here’s the part almost no one says…
To live this way, God has to deal with you first.
You can know the Bible… and still be full of pride.
You can preach… and still seek recognition.
You can lead… and still not be surrendered.
That’s why many start… but few remain.
Because there comes a moment when God is not interested in what you do… but in what is inside of you.
And that’s where many stop.
Because it’s easier to teach others… than to let God correct you.
It’s easier to appear spiritual… than to live with integrity when no one is watching.
But the New Testament is clear:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
That’s not natural… that’s supernatural.
That can only happen in someone who truly understands Christ.
Because in the end… Christian leadership is not about you.
It’s about reflecting Jesus.
The One who had all authority… yet chose to wash feet.
The One who could have been served… yet chose to serve.
The One who was King… yet chose the cross.
And then you begin to understand something…
It’s not about becoming a leader…
it’s about becoming like Him.
Let me leave you with this thought…
Maybe God is not looking for more prepared people… but for more surrendered hearts. People He can shape, correct, and use… not for their own glory, but for Christ’s.
Because when a leader understands this… he stops trying to shine… and starts living to obey.
I invite you to join me in this prayer…
Lord, work in my heart before placing me in front of others. Cleanse me from pride, wrong intentions, and the need for recognition. Teach me to serve as You served, to love as You loved, and to live in obedience even when it costs me. Shape in me a character that honors You, and if one day You entrust me with people, never let me forget that I am still Your servant. Amen.
In Somos Cristianos we connect hearts with Christ.
