Is your personal security based on your identity in Christ? (93-5)
Personal security provides a foundation for strong leadership. Effective leaders reduce personal insecurities by understanding their identity in Christ and not finding it in their performance. Re-read 2 Samuel 12:1-14.
In the Maxwell Leadership Bible, John Maxwell discusses Nathan’s security in God:
Imagine what might have happened had Nathan lacked security. Consider the odds stacked against him. He knew he had to confront David in his sin, yet David had covered up everything so well; no one else knew what had happened. That meant Nathan could expect no moral support. Further, the popular David had led Israel to prominence among the nations, and most Israelites would side with David if he put up a fight. Finally, from a technical viewpoint, David hadn’t done anything illegal to Uriah. He had set up the man to be killed in battle by the Ammonites, but it wasn’t his spear or sword that took Uriah’s life. Nathan had to feel utterly secure in his plan of attack, or it would backfire.
What enabled Nathan to demonstrate secure leadership?
- Nathan had God’s truth behind him. He didn’t have to stand alone against David.
- Nathan had a relationship with David. Their friendship created the bridge that allowed Nathan to do what God called him to do.
- Nathan’s identity depended upon his divine call, not his popularity. Nathan determined to speak God’s truth regardless of popular reaction.
- Nathan understood his personal mission. He operated out of deep conviction.
- Nathan was humble and broken. He had nothing to lose, for he had died to personal ambition.
Common Symptoms of Insecurity
The following symptoms usually indicate feelings of insecurity:
- Comparison – We compare ourselves with others and keep score.
- Compensation – We feel like a victim and must compensate for our losses.
- Competition – We become self-consumed and try to outdo others for attention.
- Compulsion – We feel driven to perform in order to gain other’s approval.
- Condemnation – We judge others or ourselves, resulting in self-pity or conceit.
- Control – We feel we must take charge, protect our interests, and manipulate.
When a leader feels insecure they drift from their mission whenever trouble arises. A leader must have personal security or when people stop liking them, when funding drips, when morale dips, or when others reject or criticize them they will crumble. If a leader does not feel secure, fear will eventually cause them to sabotage their own leadership.
Godly leaders find their identity in Christ, don’t depend on self-sufficiency and self-promotion, live to the purpose God has given to them not someone else, learn to affirm others, and are able to receive affirmation from others without robbing God of the glory He must receive for creating and equipping them.
Psalm 16:5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
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