Yes, leadership is hard and tough.
If you want everyone to like you, sell ice cream cones!
Leadership is hard, but it’s worth it.
Paul told Timothy to suck it up and press on (2 Timothy 2:3).
And when I feel stressed or scared or overwhelmed, I remember the fearlessness of Christian leaders who have come before me.
One of my favorite historical leaders was John Chrysostom.
When John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) was brought before the empress Eudoxia, she threatened him with banishment if he insisted on his Christian independence as a preacher.
“You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father’s house.”
“But I will kill you,” said the empress.
“No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God,” said John.
“I will take away your treasures.”
“No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there.”
“But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left.”
“No, you cannot, for I have a Friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me. I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me.”