‘Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.’
Philippians 2:3 NLT
Here’s the dilemma of an insecure leader: if others excel in doing a job, they fear it will make them look bad. But they also fear that if they do the job poorly, they will still look bad. So they try to do everything themselves.
As a result, they fail to succeed or their success is limited. Paul addresses it this way: ‘Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too’ (vv. 3-4 NLT). Secure leaders are able to believe in others because they believe in themselves. They aren’t arrogant; they know their own strengths and weaknesses and respect themselves. When their people perform well they don’t feel threatened.
They go out of their way to bring the best people together, then build them up so that they will perform at the highest level. When a secure leader’s team succeeds, it brings them great joy. They see that as the highest compliment they can receive for their leadership ability.
One author writes: ‘Nothing is a greater impediment to being on good terms with others, than being ill at ease with yourself.’ So what should you do? 1) Know yourself. If you’re not naturally self-aware, ask someone you trust to name your three greatest strengths and weaknesses.
Don’t defend yourself when you hear their answers. Gather the information and then reflect on it. 2) Get help. You deserve it, you’re worth it! As you begin to overcome insecurity you will rise to a new level of blessing and achievement.
Bible in a Year: Luke 2:1-24, Psalms 13-15
The Word for Today
