2 Corinthians 12-- No Respect

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield was famous for his jokes about how he got "no respect." If you believed Rodney, no matter what he did in life or who he tried to please, he got no respect. Leaders often feel the same way. No matter what they do, they don't get the respect due them. That was the Apostle Paul's struggle with the Corinthian church and he found himself constantly defending his leadership credentials. Although he may not have gotten the proper respect, Paul exemplified great leadership skills. In chapter 12 he gives us some very insightful principles for leadership. First, leaders should expect a "thorn in the flesh" to keep them humble and dependent on God (vv7-10). Next, leaders must maintain a servant's heart even with their service isn't appreciated (vv13-14). Third, leaders must love unconditionally--even those in their care who seem unlovable (v16). Finally, leaders should be passionate about the development and progress of their team (vv19-21). It is true that leadership can be very lonely at times, but the ultimate reward far outweighs the negative. You may not always get respect from your team, but you definitely will from God. And after all, He is the One that really matters.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.