The most important thing in Christian leadership is having a deep knowledge of the Father's love for you. 

Think about that.

Read it again. 

This is the resounding, all-encompassing lesson I have learned so far during my time at CGA. I need to know my Father loves me. And that means more than just saying it or knowing it with my mind. It means I know that I know that I know I am loved, no matter what, forever and ever. It means I believe it in my heart as well as my head.

Beloved by my Father is my identity; it's who I am. And when I know and believe that, my life is forever changed.

I'll be honest; I came to CGA expecting to learn a lot about leading others. I expected to get tools that would help me be the best leader out there. I expected the focus to be others, not on myself. 

But God knew better. Because in order to lead others, I have to be able to lead myself. And in order to lead myself, I have to know who I am. And in order to know who I am, I must know who He says I am. 

So really, leadership training must start with work on my heart.

That's why at CGA my focus has been on who He says I am and how i can let that identity reach my heart. I've learned what hindrances can stop me from living out that identity in certain ways, like my personality type or my past experiences. I've been talking to Him so much about who I am and our personal relationship.

All these things may seem selfish, but they really aren't. Because another thing I've learned here is that a leader always gives away what he has. You can't give away something you don't have. So as the Lord does all this work in my heart, it's transforming the way I will lead for the rest of my life. 

So my challenge to you, my friends, is this: if you are trying hard to lead other people, shift your focus inward for just a moment. Ask the Father if you are letting Him define your identity and if you're leading yourself well out of your identity. Be ready for Him to answer you honestly.

This process isn't always easy. Actually, most of the time heart transformation hurts. But everything that comes from it is so beautiful, because the One doing all the work is perfect.