The core of spiritual leadership: a life that gives itself
Happy Independence day!!
Do you ever feel like something bad is about to happen? Or that something is about to change?
Perhaps that’s what happened to Paul in Acts 20 because he says
I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. – Acts 20:22-23 NIV
So, he summons the elders of Ephesus for a farewell speech. Paul kneels with them. They embrace him, kiss him, mourn, and tears flow. Especially over that one sentence: that they will no longer see his face.
But Paul does not leave them behind in fear. He entrusts them to God and to the word of His grace, which is powerful to build up. Not he, but God will preserve the church.
His last memory is striking: he did not covet anyone’s silver or clothing. He worked with his own hands. And then reminds them of the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Here we see the core of spiritual leadership: a life that gives itself. No grasping for possessions, position, or security, but surrender, generosity, and trust.
Acts 20 leaves us with a penetrating question: If this were my farewell, could I say that I truly withheld nothing? That I ran my course with joy?
What is the overwhelming feeling you get when you look back at your own life?
If you were to think about your farewell speech, what would you want people to remember?
