[ My Wednesday blogpost series is connected to my 2020 4Q program in which I share my personal responses to the questions raised in the worksheets.]

Considering the three leadership temptations, how have I used a leadership position to get what I wanted, to make a name for myself, or to take a shortcut to success?

Jesus overcame the temptations of "instant gratification” (turning stones into bread), "making a name for self” (jumping off the pinnacle of the temple), and "shortcuts to success” (bowing down to worship the devil in order to acquire the kingdoms of this world) to become a leader worth following. Below are examples of my struggles with these three temptations:

To get what I wanted: I’ve asked my wife Amy or my children to do something for me that I was capable of doing on my own but too lazy to do at that moment.

To make a name for myself: I’ve dropped names of people I know to make an impression on others. I’ve also stated my position (or the fact that I founded and led a non-profit organization) or educational degree subtly in conversations to let others know that I have really accomplished something in life.

To take a shortcut to success: Becoming frustrated at times with a lack of success in my speaking career, I have tried to bypass the long arduous process of building trust with people by trying to manipulate a situation that would get me on a certain stage (it failed!).

What’s your plan to overcome these temptations? To overcome these temptations I first need to remind myself who I am "in Christ.” You’ll note that in each of the temptations the devil prefaces the temptation with, “If you are the Son of God.” Understanding the basis of our identity is so important. My self-worth is not based on my performance plus the opinion of others. Rather, it’s based on who I am and Whose I am. So my practical steps toward overcoming these temptations are looking for opportunities to serve others because I am made in the image of the One who first served me. That means I am constantly on the lookout for ways to open doors for others, pick up and organize where chaos abounds, offer to help with small menial jobs, and take a genuine interest in others’ needs. It also means practicing awareness of others at all times and showing interest in who they are rather than quickly sharing all about me, my life, and my interests. Finally, my plan to overcome these temptations means contentment with my current opportunities to speak and train others while intentionally staying focused on serving rather than being served.

Now it’s your turn. How have you struggled with those leadership temptations? What is your plan to overcome them? Go ahead, write something down…you are a serving leader!

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