Identity in Leading - "what do you think of me?"

Many people say that I have a 1 string guitar that I always play - it's always about identity, identity and identity.  All the discipling and leader developing I do is based on a framework of gospel-centered Identity, Community and Mission.  So...yes...Identity is core, critical, essential.

One of the questions it seems that all leaders are asking internally and constantly is "what do you think of me?"  Other versions are "what is my place in the organization?", "what are others thinking about my work / contribution?" or having to constantly answer the question "now what is it again that you do?"  I've learned that if you don't firmly answer this question in your own heart and head then you'll never be able to answer it for others nor have really sustainability in leadership.  How and when do you ask this?  How do you answer this?

Paul answered this for himself and for us in 1 Cor. 4:1 - "This is how you should think about us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."  Paul had settled in his own heart that it wasn't about position for him or about power but rather he had a clear-cut calling from God.  He was to be a...

• Servant of Christ - literally a slave.  Jesus was his master and he wanted to please the One who owned him.  He would serve Him in every area of his life (1 Cor. 10:31).

• Steward of the mysteries of God - interesting...how do you steward a mystery?  What are the mysteries?  God's grace is a mystery....people should wonder about the incredible grace of God seen in our lives and leadership.  Hope is a mystery...Peter (1 Peter 3:15) said we should live in such a way as to lead others to be puzzled and ask us why we have hope.  Christ-centered Marriage is a mystery according to Paul (Ephesians 5)...do people wonder at the love they see in our marriage?

I don't want to live imprisoned by the evaluation of others, doubts about my identity or calling or my own insecurities.  It's settled...my identity rests on who I am in Christ...a part of which is to be servant and steward.  What do you think?