Heroes

I've been watching the TV series called Heroes that follows a cast of ordinary people who have super powers. The previous series was on Villains, and it's interesting as you follow the character development. Those who were the good guys in earlier seasons have other motives, pushing them to the bad guy side. The people who started the company all had hidden motives for the formula, resulting in chaos around the world and chaos even in different timeframes.

Abraham Lincoln said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." In the book Developing The Leader Within, John C. Maxwell comments that, "The danger of power lies in the fact that those who are vested with it tend to make its preservation their first concern. Therefore, they will naturally oppose any changes in the forces that have given them this power. History tells us that power leads to the abuse of power and the abuse of power leads to loss of power."

Isn't this so true? For those in leadership positions, it is so easy to abuse and take for granted the power, influence and responsibilities given to you.

I believe the key to managing the kind of power/responsibility you have as a leader is to have people in your life keeping you accountable to it. What are your motives? What are your goals? Are you putting other's interest before your own? Do your deeds and words match up? These are tough questions to ask yourself. But they are so needed to keep us in line. Do you have someone to keep you in line? Maybe this person is your co-captain or coach. Maybe it is someone at your church. Maybe it is a close friend. Make sure you have someone(s) in your life to hold you accountable to your responsibilities. Whoever it is, ask them to ask you the tough questions.

I've had a few posts on accountability already because I believe it is key to your success, as a leader and also as a living witness for Christ. You need people around you who believe in you and keep you in check, pushing you on to do bigger, better things. You need to live a life of integrity (remember captain training #1) where no matter who you are, or what you are doing, you are still who you say you are. You need to understand your own motives and intentions behind what you do, so you stay focused on what is right.

When you have accountability for your actions and you start to model the life you want others to follow, your influence to impact others in a positive and Christ-centered way is increased exponentially.

Side note: Incidentally it was because of Heroes that I officially met and hung out with Sam! A few people went to his place to watch it one night and I tagged along.. and now - a number of good talks, get togethers and softball games later - we're serving together, sharing our insights and helping with TC. How cool is that? =D

*rebecca

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The verse I'm reminded of is Luke 12:48

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

I learned to play the guitar when I was 17 on a missions trip to the UK.

I came home all gung ho and ready to jump on stage to lead worship.

I remember approaching my pastor and sharing my missions experience with so much excitement and enthusiasm. I then remember the look of disappointment on my face when he told me I couldn't lead. I was angry, frustrated, upset and sad all at the same time. Why is it that I had been denied the request to serve in an area where I had so much passion and energy for the Lord? My pastor told me I wasn't ready - and he was right.

A few years later, I started serving in leadership at my university fellowship.

I remember getting together at a friend's house one Friday night after fellowship and just sitting there and jamming. We sang songs of praise and prayed however we were led to.

I remember looking around and seeing people worshipping and praising God with their hearts and it all hit me at once - congregational worship is about the people, connecting to the Lord is about listening and finding rest in His presence, and the best worship leading is done when we move out of the way and let the Spirit of God lead. I never saw it that way before.

Being a Spiritual leader is about being a servant of God.
At 17, I had a lot of passion and energy to serve but no understanding of any concept of worship.

Thank you becca for coming to watch heroes as a tag along... and for all the random chats about things that are actually important to us.

*sam