One of the things that I have been extraordinarily blessed with almost my entire life is a group of people (both men and women) who have loved me well and mentored me through life. These people have made me a stronger person, a more well-rounded leader and they continually (even to this day) help me stay level-headed through seasons of disappear and seasons of overwhelming joy!
In all the meetings and all the cup’s of coffee we have consumed together I don’t remember any of them telling me how lonely leadership can be. I mean, They have taught me a lot over the years and there’s a chance they mentioned it but no one informed me on HOW lonely it can really get….
Running a company, being the lead pastor or being appointed as the main leader for any organization can be the loneliest job in today’s culture. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this job doesnt have the potential for great satisfaction or incredible reward…
I’m just saying that at times there can be moments when not having a boss can be really tough.
I think back to events in the early days of Orange Thread when I had to make key decisions about which clients to say yes to and which to say no to and how I really longed for a boss in that moment with “20+ years of experience” to give me advice on what to look for in each client or insight on how to make a decision like that.
Even last week — having to tackle some of the toughest obstacles our company has faced. I think about how lonely that process was and how in those moments I needed mentors… advisors… and someone who was faithful to help me get through those moments. Life is much less fulfilling when we experience it alone.
[bctt tweet=”Life is much less fulfilling when we experience it alone.”]
The same is true with organizational life. We’re not called to be leaders by ourselves. That’s why the writer John records Jesus saying to his followers, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.”
Leaders – In those times of despair…. in those times of struggles… and in those times of weakness when we just don’t feel like we’re capable of doing this on our own… there’s an incredible hope awaiting. One of my favorite verses of scripture is:
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:24
What an amazing promise. God, the one who called us to what we’re doing at this very moment… is telling us that we don’t have to fear. God is faithful and He will complete the work for us. Too often I think I cut that verse in half because I personally lack the faith that God is big enough to do whatever it is that I am struggling with. And then I realize that God doesn’t need me to finish my job. He just wants me to be with Him… which in turn removes the loneliness and life becomes more full in the process.
So when that “loneliness” creeps in leaders, and we feel completely isolated to the rest of the world… just remember that Christ came for us to have life… and life to the fullest. So let us rest assured that we have a Faithful God. We have an all-loving and an all-merciful God. We have a God that is bigger than our loneliness. We have a God much greater than our obstacles.
He will not abandon us in our calling. God has invited you and I walk alongside Him in the process of fulfilling HIS calling.
You ready to join the journey with me?
