Put Your Oxygen Mask On First
I have heard this time and again when I fly on a commercial airline. The instructions are: “if you’re traveling with a small child, put your oxygen mask on first before helping with theirs.” There is logic and some common sense behind this for sure. If you are attempting to save another’s life and you die trying, the chances are, you’ll both perish. I was reminded of this when Moses was giving Aaron, the first High Priest some instructions about how he was to lead the people in worship before God. The High Priest was this highest spiritual leader. He was special to God and the expectations of the High Priest were very high. This same principle could also apply to me as a parent. As a parent, there are high expectations of me from the Lord. I should seek the Lord first before trying to lead my kids or others to Him. Check this out…
6 They must be set apart as holy to their God and must never bring shame on the name of God. They must be holy, for they are the ones who present the special gifts to the Lord, gifts of food for their God.
8 You must treat them as holy because they offer up food to your God. You must consider them holy because I, the Lord, am holy, and I make you holy. (Leviticus 21:6,8 NLT)
I think it’s a special privilege to lead others. I think most anyone can be a leader who desires to, but there are certain characteristics of leaders that is necessary in order to lead well. Maybe the top five:
- Honesty & Integrity
- Ability to inspire others
- Empathy & Compassion
- Communication
- Creativity & Passion
I was reminded that in the New Testament, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples talked about the “priesthood of all believers”. Check this out…
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)
I have great responsibility as a leader. I must guard my heart. I need to ask the Lord for help in wisdom and discernment. I want to continue to grow and expand my knowledge and understanding so that I can serve others. The character qualities and gifts of a leader are not self-serving; they are for giving and sharing with others. I must carefully care for my heart and my mind so that I can influence and serve others well.
Pressing On!
Dwayne