3 DANGERS OF SELF-AFFIRMATION
- Lucas Anunciação
- Jan 9, 2023
- 2 min read
Presenting here the antithesis of self-assertion, I describe the dangerous behaviors that this position causes in leadership. Self-assertion will not mark a headship for eternity with Christ, only “denying yourself” offers that power.
1. Self-asserted leaders work alone
A spiritual leader does not need to assert himself, his greatest need is to deny himself.
Self-denial is the true source of power for spiritual leadership. It is a dangerous question by itself, because if a leader works this way, he works alone. Serving in the dimension of “denying yourself” is saying that you are unable to do anything without the presence of God.
“Then Moses said to him: “If you do not go with us, do not envy us.” Exodus 33:15
2. Self-affirmed leaders do not have a crucified life
Whoever carries the Cross overcomes the flesh, day after day, because there is no better pattern for spiritual leadership than this one.
A "self-asserted" leadership will never touch hearts like a "crucified leadership", leadership that needs self-assertion may attract temporary admiration, but it is not invested with the true power to win. , the things he spends most time on and what he talks about the most If you choose the cross, no disciple will be left in doubt as to who is directing your life, keep doing it, because more truly converted people will follow you in the same direction .
Self-assertion is a need for recognition, but a crucified life is a need for God's presence.
“And he said to everyone, If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
3. Self-affirmed leaders serve their own will
“And she said, The Philistinesbe upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.” Judges 16:20
Self-assertion will find a way to approve all things by itself, without regard to God's will, until this leader, too late, can realize that he has lost the special anointing he once had.
In this way, a self-asserted leadership has an explanation for every decision of its own will. To deny yourself is to be firm in the purpose of doing God's will and even losing your life to find it in Christ.
When we live a crucified life we deny even a glass of water to our flesh, we don't want it to invigorate and have strength.
Our only self-assertion is our denial of the old nature.
When in one act we deny ourselves on Earth, we are affirmed in Heaven. Only God can assert himself, only He is!
Leaders do not follow the path of self-assertion because this path seeks glory that does not belong to them. Self-assertion can place you within an admired group on this Earth.
The “self-denial” will include your name on the list of the persecuted, but only those who deny themselves will be able to hear….
“His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things; enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21
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