Obedient vs Success

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to be a great Christian leader?"

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good except God alone. You know the requirements: cast the vision, motivate people to pursue it, mobilize them efficiently, strategically guide their efforts, and develop the resources necessary to fulfill the vision."

"Teacher, " he declared, "all these I have done since I have been a leader."

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "On thing you lack," he said. "Change your philosophy of leadership from achieving success to being obedient, and you will truly be useful to your Father in heaven."

At this the man's face fell. He went away because he had great success in leadership.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the leaders of this world to lead in ways that honor God."

From, A FISH out of WATER by George Barna