Mike 
When I was a kid, it was a special treat to go to the local amusement park. I loved the car ride, where I sat in the driver’s seat in control of the gas pedal and steering wheel. Never mind that the maximum speed was less than 5 mph and the car couldn’t leave its concrete track. But once I drove a go-kart the first time, the amusement park car lost its appeal. And the go-kart fascination faded after I got behind the wheel of a real car.
It’s interesting how something that gave us satisfaction and joy in one stage of life becomes boring in another. On the positive side, this progression reflects mastery of a skill. Once the learning curve levels out, we have the capacity to take on new and bigger challenges.
But this tendency also has a dark side. Something inside us (or at least inside of me) craves more power and more control. A constant hunger for “more” carries three risks:
- More control leads to less dependence on God. It’s the sin that goes all the way back to the Garden. We want the freedom to go wherever we choose and do whatever seems best. On the wide open road of control, I can do just that, even if it’s not what God wants for me.
- More power leads to increased isolation. Even the wisest and most experienced leader needs wise counsel from trusted advisors who are not afraid to disagree. Power tends to shrink that circle of advisors, as leaders often use their power (or threat of power) to squelch contrary opinions.
- We mistakenly assume that “more” is better. This assumption reveals a dangerous logic that runs through many leadership resources. We should always seek to lead with diligence (Romans 12:8) and be the best leaders possible. Sometimes – but not always – that equates with more.
