No Self-Esteem AND No Reputation?
What kind of leader is a man of no self-esteem? A man who knows what God thinks of him, who doesn’t worry about what others think…how does he lead?
Several years back, R. Scott Rodin left his job as president of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He wrote an article about what he’d learned….
Five years ago, if you had asked me for a Scripture that epitomized the leadership ideal, I would likely have pointed you to Nathan’s directive to King David, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Samuel 7:3) I could identify with David as ‘God’s man at God’s time’ and I believed that God would pour out his wisdom and favor if I could be such a man. After all, there were kingdoms to conquer and people to be led. There were great things to be done for the Lord and no vision was too limited and no goal too small.
Now, five years later, I would point to a different verse. In speaking of Jesus’ incarnation, Paul tells us, “he made himself a man of no reputation, taking on the very nature of a servant.” (Phil 2:7) The verse does not say that Jesus became a man of bad reputation, or questionable reputation, but simply of ‘no’ reputation. That is, reputation, image, prestige, prominence, power, and other trappings of leadership were not only devalued, they were purposefully dismissed. Jesus became such a man. Not by default or accident, but by intention and design. And it was only in this form that he could serve, love, give, teach, and yes, lead.
Roden shares 5 things ‘leaders of no reputation’ grasp…
1. Anointed vs. appointed – Sensing God’s calling and “anointing” for a leadership role vs. being picked and “appointed”.
2. Fighting the need to “increase” – Being about ‘downward mobility’ toward humility and His kingdom vs. ‘upward mobility’ and our kingdom.
3. Being and Doing – Self-awareness and personal transformation…becoming a leader worth following vs. an inexorable drive toward accomplishment and results.
4. Leadership is a Miracle – Approaching leadership in dependent humility vs. autonomy and hubris. Rodin shares this prayer….
I love you, God. You know I do. How natural it is to love you. You are perfect. You are beautiful, pure, powerful, absolutely truthful, and kind. You have been so generous to me that just saying thank you seems pitiful sometimes. But far more powerful in my life is knowing and feeling that you love me. You know exactly and completely who I am – all my ugly thoughts, my mangled motivations, my pretending, my irrational fears, my pride, and my unfaithfulness – and you still love me. I know you love me. You know me, and yet, because you love me, you let me lead others. I do not understand it, but I am grateful.(1)
5. Seeking the right applause – The applause of the nail-scarred hands vs. those of fans, families, friends or earthly fathers.
Rodin says “I have come to believe that true Christian leadership is an ongoing, disciplined practice of becoming a person of no reputation, and thus, becoming more like Christ in this unique way.”
Question: Do you aspire to be a leader of no reputation? Share with us here.
Note: Rodin’s full article is available here
(1) Richard Kriegbaum, Leadership Prayers (Tyndale House: Wheaton, 1998), 22
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Responses (6)
Andrew Murray’s classic book “Humility” has guided me to be an empty vessel filled by God’s grace. As I see myself in that light I seek glory for God not the praises of men.
A high calling for us all…to make ourselves low! Thanks for the comment Charlie!
I’m looking forward to reading that book. I have a lot to learn in that area.
I have been taking my time reading another book of his, “Absolute Surrender,” the last couple of weeks. He has a way of revealing the sharpness of the Truth.
Thank you for sharing this!
Powerfully rich.. This brings several things together: it shines light on what is likely a key to “joyful obedience,” carrying my cross, To die is gain, and Leaning fully on His life, His plan and His strength for His glory. …Truth that seems too pure to express in words.
“…ongoing, disciplined practice…” Lord, use me today.
Thank you.
That was great.
Thanks Charles