Identity > Problems
I had a little "aha" moment this week. Before I tell you about it, let me give you some context. It's important that I keep my life as simple as possible - the simpler, the more enjoyable and easier to manage. So to help me do that, my life is broken down into two major categories. The first category is what I call "sonship". I am a follower of Jesus and this "sonship" category helps me grow as a disciple of Jesus and become the man He's called me to be. That influences my marriage, parenting, finances, etc. The second category is "leadership". I believe Jesus gives the gift of leadership to us and positions us with opportunities to lead. I am a leader in my family, the leader of my church, and a leader in the lives of loved ones and friends. Leadership is not simply a title or a position, but it's permission I've been given by others because - hopefully I love well, make wise decisions, have a humble attitude, possess a generous heart and add value to the lives of others.
Now, with that context laid out for you - I was walking to my car this week when I realized that I have been more focused on leadership than sonship. That is not unusual, but what stung was that most of my leadership was focused on problem-solving and not dreaming. My sonship - that space where I spend time with God, worship Him, listen to Him, learn about Him through the Bible - was growing smaller and my problems were growing bigger. My leadership kicked in and said, "I've got this. I'll solve it. I'm here to save everyone from the toxic slime of problems." Can I be honest? - I didn't like the way that felt. The reality that I am a son in God's kingdom solely because of His grace and mercy had gotten lost. Problems got bigger. Identity got smaller. Problems got bigger. Prayer got smaller. So what did I do?
I flipped the script.
I confessed to God that I need His supernatural power and admitted that it flows to sonship first and then to leadership. I confessed that I had allowed problems to get bigger than my perspective of Him and my dreaming of what's possible.
I paused to reflect on who God says I am according to the Bible.
I verbalized who God says I am according to the Bible.
I prayed for God's supernatural power to flow towards my life.
I gave Him my problems.
I smiled and gave thanks.
My encouragement to you today? - Try what I did. Don't let your problems become bigger than your identity in God and your leadership. Leadership does solve problems - not at the expense of your identity, but because of your identity. Dream. Lead with integrity. Pray and expect great things.
Photo by Craig McLachlan on Unsplash