Musing from the Hill

Someone told me not long ago, “What if I train them so well that I am no longer required?” I instantly replied, “That’s the goal.”

The goal of leadership is not only to build ourselves up, but to equip others to go further, do better, and carry the mission beyond us. True Christian leadership is not a competition—it is about lifting one another. Even Jesus said, _“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”_ (Matthew 20:28).

Barnabas encouraged Paul and even spoke on his behalf when no one else trusted him. He also mentored John Mark, who would later write the Gospel of Mark. Yet Barnabas remained in the background, lesser known than the ones he empowered. Likewise, Eli mentored Samuel, who went on to become a great prophet and judge of Israel. These men weren't seeking the spotlight—they were faithfully building others up.

Nobody becomes greater by pulling others down. We rise by lifting each other. As John C. Maxwell puts it _"Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others."_

_“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)._

So, let’s check ourselves: Are we serving God for His glory or for our own gain?

Are we in ministry to fulfill God’s calling—or to fulfill our personal desires?

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