A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 9:43-48)

“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:43-48)

In Mark 9:43–48 Jesus emphasized the critical focus we must give to ourselves before we can lead others. Reflecting on the seriousness of offending one young in the faith, Jesus told his disciples to take whatever measures necessary to ensure they were not first led astray. Leadership begins with one’s self. Cut off a hand or foot or pluck out an eye if any of them cause you to stumble, he directed. The key to overcoming temptation is learning to deny self. Before we lead anyone, we must lead ourselves. Developing self-control enables us to empower others. Without it we take advantage of others, manipulating and controlling them for our benefit. The primary concern of personal leadership is becoming like Jesus. He emptied himself of all that was rightfully his to focus on the redemption of humanity. Jesus’ life and ministry are a perfect model of others-orientation. Lead self by redirecting on others all that attention you would normally give yourself. 

KEY QUESTIONS: What do I need to prune in my life so I can better lead others? How would practicing self-control enable me to empower others? In what areas of my life do I need to become more like Jesus? Who currently needs more attention from me?