I love the phrase I learned years ago: As a leader you have to give up to go up. As a leader you give up “rights” and “privileges” so you can keep growing as a leader. The whole point was to keep “rising” as a leader.

Over the years I’ve realized that “rising” as a leader has a lot of different definitions, and I didn’t hit the “right” ones apparently. Yet, in reading 1 Corinthians again and seeing Paul trying to navigate his way through some very murky waters in regards to sexual activity, idol worship, meals, etc., he carries with him a sense of wanting to be fully surrendered to Christ and in doing so HE is willing to “give up” things so others can keep growing.

If I could modify the above maxim, I think I would change it to this: “Be willing to give up so OTHERS can go up.”

All things may be “lawful,” but why use that as arrogance? Also, why “give up” in a way that I brag about how “good” I am so the “WEAKER” brother can have his way? (And out of pride, I emphasize my absolute humility and the poor brother who is so weak he obviously needs my help to get better in his walk with Christ.)

What I need is an absolute surrender of all I am to Christ so I can live in all he has for me. There will be times when my “liberty” needs to be set aside to help others along… and I don’t need to brag to the “WEEEEAAAAAKKKKKKEEERRRR BROTHER” what a privilege he is getting for my sacrifice!

I need to be willing to give up so others can go up. Lord, help me understand the power of true leadership.