This is the fifth in a series of posts (click here for lesson one , two, three, and four) discussing the 5 most valuable leadership lessons Martha Lawley , author of Attending the Bride of Christ: Preparing For His Return learned from the life of Peter. Are we so grateful to God for his ministry of restoration in our lives? Do you ever compare yourself to another leader who has something you think you’d like?…a characteristic, ability, or relationship? Then this post is for you!
The 5 leadership lessons include:
1. Leadership is a Calling
2. Leadership is Dynamic and Can be Messy
3. Beware of Self Reliance
4. God is in the Business of Restoration
5. Comparing Ourselves to Others gets in the Way of Following God
Today we will conclude with a look at # 5: Comparing Ourselves to Others Gets in the Way of Following God
When Jesus fully and publicly restored Peter, He also gave Peter some insight into his future including what kind of death he would die. (John 21:18-19) Jesus assures him that although difficult things lie ahead, Peter would remain faithful to Christ. Jesus knew that although Peter had failed before, in the future Peter would remain faithful. I’m encouraged to know that, with God, my past failures do not prevent future victories!
Interestingly, when Jesus reveals to Peter what will happen to him in the future, he looks around, see John and asks “what about him?” Jesus then asks Peter an important. Question: “What is it to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)
Comparing ourselves to one another is a common problem in ministry. Comparing ourselves with others is not only destructive; it is meaningless. Comparing produces feelings of inferiority or pride or both. And perhaps more importantly, comparing can keep us from the path that God has uniquely designed for us.
I’m blessed to work with some of the most wonderful & gifted women in ministry from around the country. My role as a Lifeway author has given me the opportunity to get to know other Lifeway Bible study authors on a personal level. My role as a Lifeway trainer has blessed me with friendships among some of the most dynamic women leaders on the planet.
However – there is always a temptation to compare! How their ministry looks – what doors God has opened for them – doors He has chosen not to open for me. So I hear Jesus’ “What’s it to you?” loud and clear! What about you?
With God’s help I’m trying to stay focused on my unique calling – running the race marked out for me – and doing what He has called me to do. One of the ways God is working in this area of my life right now is by teaching me is to appreciate the uniqueness of my calling. He has designed something very special just for me just as He has designed something uniquely tailor-made for you!
I’m so thankful God let us see into the details of Peter’s life through Scripture – the good the bad and the ugly. I’ve learned a lot from the life of Peter. I’m so encouraged to know that Peter struggled but God never gave up on him!
www.marthalawley.com
martha@marthalawley.com
www.attendingthebride.com
Resources:
The Painful Side of Leadership