The Ego Isn't A Body Part

I have heard that when Adolf Hitler was alive, he would only select generals and aides that were shorter in stature than he. Adolf was rather short, and he did not want anyone towering over him. That was also true when it came to accomplishments and leadership ability – he wanted no one to tower over him in those areas either. Therefore, most of his generals and closest advisors were short and if they excelled in any way, they didn’t seek the spotlight or they didn’t last very long... literally. He had what is called a Napoleon complex.
Saddam Hussein had some of those same tendencies. He wouldn’t even allow his generals to disagree with his plans and tactics. On one occasion, he called his top generals into a meeting to discuss a military operation he wanted to pursue. One of his highest officers disagreed with his plan. Shortly after his disagreement, he was shot dead by his nephew, Saddam. As it turned out, the uncle was right.
Many times in the corporate world, as well as in the ministry world, we hesitate in surrounding ourselves with talent. The reason is mostly because of our own insecurities. We’re afraid someone will steal the show… someone might make us look like we’re not as competent as we once appeared. The best leaders aren’t afraid of those things however. They understand that they’re only as good as the team they have put together. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have the opportunity of putting together your own team, don’t settle for second best. Find the very brightest and best members you can afford and bring them on board. And never be afraid to celebrate their accomplishments. Give them recognition; let them stand in the spotlight for a while when appropriate. God gives us all various gifts and talents. He then puts us where we are to be teamed up with those who can shore up our weaknesses and benefit from our strengths. We are all a part of the body of Christ and there are no unimportant parts. Paul said it best in his first letter to the church at Corinth: “Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27) Never forget that Christ is the head and there is no room for over inflated egos – I don’t think the ego is a part of the body. Always keep in mind that everything we do is for God’s glory, not our own. So, work together according to the position to which you have been called… and deflect the accolades to where they belong…

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