Lovewell: A Theology - Day 32

Hebrews 12:1-2
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

We are super familiar with this text. We used it for like 6 weeks in a row in the Momentum series leading up to our Crosswalk Conference last year. (Something that you should all put in your calendars for next year, October 6,- 8 2023!) But one of the things this text speaks to is resilience. Resilience as a leader is something that all of us have to learn. Even as a servant leader we are sometimes criticized, we make mistakes, we fail, and sometimes we are just lambasted by those around us for no reason at all. The moment you say you are interested in being a leader, you have to expect that you will need to beef up those muscles of resilience.

What does it look like to be a resilient leader?

1. Reframe how you think. This text reminds us that there are others who have gone before us, and also that there are those that are cheering us on. Leadership is not an isolated thing, and most people want to see you succeed. As a servant leader, this is even more so true. However, sometimes you need to remind yourself why you are doing this and how much it means to others and to you to make it happen. Be positive in the way you think about yourselves, others and the mission you have been given. 
2. Become self-aware. Resilient leaders are leaders that seek self-awareness. This is important especially in times of crisis when the criticism can become overwhelming, even from those you are trying to serve. Knowing what is true in their criticism, what is fabricated, and what is completely untrue is super important for you to be resilient. Take what they say, analyze it, and if it is true, change, if it is just their issue, do what you can to help them gain perspective, and if it is a lie, ignore completely. 
3. Purpose. Understanding your purpose creates a strong foundation for your resilience. If you are doing what you know God has called you to, you can bounce back much easier, you have a thicker skin, and you can take the struggles of leadership in a much better way. Leadership is always hard, but knowing your purpose makes a difference.  
4. Make strong connections to be resilient. As you become a servant leader, make sure that you surround yourself by those who you can share, be grateful for, complain to, and rant towards if you need to. We all need that tribe who understands us. Without others, we are less resilient because the only voices that we hear are voices that either come from criticism or our own voice. 

1. What can you do to become more resilient as a servant leader today? 
2. Who is your tribe that you can share with and who can help pick you up? 
3. Why would you need to be resilient as a servant leader? Isn’t everyone just happy that you are there to serve? 
4. How can you continue your servant leadership journey?