GIVE UP YOUR RIGHTS [iLead: Part 2]

John’s disciples are starting to desert him to follow this new Guy…

John 3:27–30 (NIV) 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

Leadership Triangle: The greater my position (child of God) and responsibilities (share Jesus) the greater my leadership impact at the expense of my personal rights.

If I want more influence, my rights will decrease.

If I want more rights, my influence will decrease.

In order for Jesus to become greater, I must become less.

This will never happen accidentally; it can only happen intentionally.

THE TRUTH ABOUT LEADERSHIP: LEADERS MUST GIVE UP THEIR RIGHTS.

The Beastie Boys fought for the right to party, but as followers of Jesus and stewards of the Gospel, we fight to give up our rights so that He may increase in and through our lives.

I GIVE UP THE RIGHT:

1. TO BE A JERK

1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) 5 It [love] does not dishonor others [rude], it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

One Christian jerk ruins the whole bunch [LH sticker on your car]

2. TO LOSE SELF-CONTROL

Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Lose your cool = loss of influence [Leadership is influence]

When you lose your cool, you’re either not a leader or won’t be one for long.

Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) 28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

3. TO TAKE A BREAK

2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV) 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

There is no such thing as an off-duty Christian

4. TO HAVE IT MY WAY

Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV) 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

What is RIGHT > What I LIKE

John couldn’t have been happy that people were leaving him for Jesus, but he knew it was right.

“I can’t worship to this music.”

If church people love everything about your church, we are probably doing it wrong.

5. TO SEEK RECOGNITION

Romans 12:10 (NIV) 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Look for ways to GIVE credit instead of receive it.

6. TO SET MY OWN AGENDA

Leadership is inconvenient

Blessed are the flexible for the shall not be bent out of shape

7. TO SPEAK MY MIND

1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV) 16 ...we have the mind of Christ.

If what I think doesn not make HIM increase, it isn’t worth saying.

My words = build up, encourage, unify, express love.

8. TO GET OFFENDED

Being offended is a (moment) matter of time and opportunity; staying offended is a choice.

9. TO JUST BE MYSELF

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (NIV) 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

If “being myself” is at the expense of the Gospel instead of for the sake of the Gospel, I’m living with a more of me and less of Jesus mentality.

“Just how I am,” is never a viable excuse for pointing people towards Jesus.

10. TO NEGLECT MY OWN HEALTH

Health = Spiritual // Mental // Physical // Emotional

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Self-care isn’t selfish; [oxygen mask illustration]