Deuteronomy 31:1-4
He said, “I am now 120 years old, and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has told me, ‘You will not cross the Jordan River.’ 3 But the LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua will lead you across the river, just as the LORD promised.
Can you imagine what Moses is feeling as he utters these words to Joshua?
In case you don’t know the context, Moses has been leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. He’s had ups, downs, and in betweens. He’s old, tired, and worn out. He commissions Joshua, the next leader and has to basically tell him, “Look, I’m not gonna accomplish my vision, but you will.”
Many would expect Moses to kind of shift after that, withdraw, and even maybe manipulate Joshua a little bit to keep him from accomplishing what he wasn’t going to be able to.
Moses didn’t do any of that.
In fact, if you read the rest of the chapter, you’ll find Moses encouraging and commissioning Joshua to do great things. You’ll see Moses continue to teach the frustrating and stubborn people he’s been leading for years.
Moses didn’t sacrifice the promise on the altar of his own pride.
As leaders, we have to constantly answer the question,
What matters more… Me or the Mission?
Good leaders are mission focused leaders. They put pride to the side for the future prosperity of what they’re leading.
Good parents are less concerned about living their dreams through their kids than they are about their children being great adults.
Good pastors are more concerned with peopel meeting Jesus than them getting enough stage time.
Good leaders care less about their status than they do about their organization’s success.
So, are you willing to move toward the future even if it means you won’t see the completion of the vision? Will you invest in others even if they may experience success you won’t?
Great leaders choose the mission over the “me.”
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