The Heart of a True Leader

Focus:

"And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my spirit? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" — Numbers 11:29 (KJV)

In the account leading to our focus, God took the Spirit that was upon Moses and rested it upon seventy elders to help bear the burden of leading Israel. Two men began prophesying directly in the camp, causing Joshua—Moses’ loyal assistant—to become intensely defensive. Joshua urged Moses to stop them, fearing their sudden spiritual authority would diminish Moses' unique status. Like Joshua, our natural human instinct is often to protect our own territory, titles, or influence. It is incredibly easy to view the success, gifts, or spiritual growth of others as a direct threat to our own position. Moses completely side-steps the trap of insecurity with a piercing question: "Enviest thou for my spirit?" Moses understood that his spiritual authority was not a prize to be hoarded, but a gift to be shared for the common good. True security in God frees us from the exhausting need to be the most important, gifted, or noticed person in the room. When we fully understand who we are in Christ, we can celebrate the advancement of others without feeling like we are losing ground.

Moses’ response reveals the gold standard of spiritual maturity: "would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets." Rather than demanding a monopoly on God's presence, Moses desired a total democratization of the Spirit. He cared far more about the spiritual health and empowerment of the entire community than he did about protecting his personal prestige. A great leader does not gather followers to count them; a great leader empowers others to send them out. What Moses could only wish for in the wilderness, Jesus Christ completely secured for us on the cross and at Pentecost. Because of Christ, God has poured out His Spirit upon all believers. We do not need a human mediator to experience the presence, power, and voice of God. We have been filled with the Holy Spirit to prophesy, serve, love, and build up the Body of Christ. Our daily assignment is to stop competing with our brothers and sisters, and instead help each other fan those spiritual gifts into flame.

Have you recently felt a twinge of jealousy or insecurity when someone else was praised, promoted, or spiritually used in a major way? How does knowing that the Holy Spirit is fully available to you change the way you view other people's unique talents and callings? What is one practical way you can actively encourage and empower someone else to use their spiritual gifts this week? Take a thought about it and step out with that encouragement. God desires it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, root out any hidden seeds of envy, competition, or insecurity buried deep within my heart. Forgive me for the times I have viewed the success or gifts of others as a threat to my own value. Thank you for pouring out your Holy Spirit upon me and choosing me for a unique purpose. Give me the selflessness of Moses to cheer for others, to celebrate their victories, and to lift them up. Let your kingdom expand through us as we serve together in unity, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Please share. God bless you.