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Sometimes the most spiritual thing a leader can do is admit they need help.
Nowhere is self-reliance more celebrated—and more spiritually dangerous—than here in the United States. For newer leaders, this looks like a striving spirit that refuses help because they want to prove they have what it takes. For veteran leaders, that self-reliance looks like pride and even arrogance—a refusal to learn new things from younger leaders, take suggestions, or delegate responsibility.
We’re not meant to labor for God—we’re meant to labor with Him.
Particularly in ministry, self-reliance is a fly in the ointment that spoils the good we’re trying to achieve for the Lord.
To be clear, I’m not talking about confidence. It’s good to know your capabilities and understand your strengths. I’m talking about an unhealthy and toxic kind of self-reliance that does not want to co-labor with Christ.
Church production leaders of various skill levels serve all over the world at churches large and small, but one principle is common among every one of those leaders—God’s grace is sufficient.
Paul called it conceit, and as he begged God to relieve him of the thorn in his flesh, the Lord kindly replied, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Self-reliance feels like strength, but it quietly erodes our dependence on grace.
While Jesus walked this earth known by his given name, the angel named him “Emmanuel,” God with us. We are not meant to labor alone, to do some great work for God. Jesus has called us friends, and he wants to work right alongside us as we reap the harvest. Father God is a good father who wants to serve with us. Holy Spirit is our comforter and helper, giving us the strength and power to do more than we ever could on our own.
Production leader, we are called to not rely on ourselves, but to abide in Christ by the help of the Holy Spirit through the grace of God. Let’s stop striving. Let’s lay down our pride.
Lord, help us. We remember that your grace is sufficient, and we choose to rely on your grace, your strength, and your power, not ourselves.
