In part 3 of this series “Avoiding the Mud Puddles of Leadership”, Lance describes how we are healthier and more delightful leaders when we lead with an attitude of contentment instead of comparison.

Notes:

What do I mean by leadership?

• Within the Gateway context, leadership is developing culture and people through relationship, with integrity.

• John Maxwell calls leadership as “influence.”

• Jim Collins quotes, “Leadership only exists if people follow when they would otherwise have the freedom to not follow.”

1. What is contentment?

   • Contentment is a tasteless poison, making leaders sick over and over again.

   • If God is love, then how is that love forming Christ in you and creating contentment.
     
     2 Corinthians 10:12, “Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!” New Living Translation
     
     1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing?” The Message Translation

   • Contentment is not at war with growth, ambition or dreaming big.

   • Contentment is a starting point for healthy, God-inspired living and leading.

   • Contentment does not diminish vision, passion or ambition.

2. What is an enemy of contentment? — Comparison

   • What is a root of comparison?

     • Jealousy (I want what you have)

     • Envy (I don’t want you to have what you have)

     • Comparison is the attitude of idolatry.

     • My value is found in something else other than Jesus and my walk with him.

   • How do I know if I have an attitude of comparison?

     • Inability or unwillingness to genuine celebrate another.

     • Thinking and/or saying, “I’d be happier if… .”

     • Feelings of inferiority.

     • Competitive feelings.

     • Becoming increasingly critical.

     • Leading without passion in your current leadership role.

     • Comparing towards others and their journey — BAD

     • Comparing “where I am” against “where God wants me to be” is a measure of obedience and surrender — GOOD

3. What areas can I target for growth in contentment?

   • Who you are? (identity, personality, gifts, strengths, weaknesses)

   • Where you are? (geographical, financial, relational, physical, emotional, mental)

   • What you are doing? (fulfillment, gifting, dreaming, room for growth, celebration)

   • What God is doing through you? (making a difference in others, legacy, inheritance)

4. How can I take responsibility for growth in contentment?

   • Admit your weakness and your need for Christ.

   • Confess your sin and idolatry to God and turn back to Him.

   • Confess to the person to whom you’ve been ugly, judging or measuring yourself. (Matt 18:15, Gal 6:1, Matt 5:23-24)

   • Celebrate another with words, encouraging texts/hand written cards.

   • Listen more. Interject less.

   • Seek Jesus about His perspective on your life and leadership.

   • Consider counseling, coaching and development of leadership tools.

   • Fill your mind with who God says you are while celebrating who God says others are.

   • Embrace limitations.
     

Resources: Mistake Leaders Make by Dave Kraft

Credits: Music - Pumpkin Spice by Audiobinger -- freemusicarchive.org