Episode 378 First Things First

September 9, 2025


First Things First – Leading with God’s Priorities

In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus offers one of his hardest teachings about discipleship: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” These words aren’t embroidered on pillows or printed on coffee mugs. They are a gut check for leaders.

Jesus warns his followers to count the cost before taking action. Like a builder who must calculate materials or a king preparing for battle, leaders are challenged to ask:

  • What will this require?
  • Who will be impacted?
  • What sacrifices are necessary?

Leadership in God’s economy is never about convenience. It is about alignment with God’s priorities, even when the path is difficult.

Alignment Matters: A Leadership Analogy

Sara shared an everyday example: replacing tires on her car. The tires were new, but the alignment was off. Without fixing the alignment, the new tires would wear out too quickly.

Leadership works the same way. When priorities are out of alignment with God’s kingdom, even good programs and initiatives wear out. Leaders risk starting with enthusiasm only to fizzle without lasting impact.

Staying aligned with God’s priorities ensures that our leadership remains sustainable, faithful, and fruitful.

God’s Priorities vs. Personal Preferences

How do leaders know if they’re aligned with God’s priorities instead of personal preferences?

Jesus provides clarity in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

  • If decisions primarily protect comfort, control, or status → they’re likely personal preferences.
  • If decisions reflect love, justice, reconciliation, and generosity → they’re aligned with God’s priorities.

Leading with God’s priorities often means stepping away from what is familiar. Jesus’ teaching about “hating” family members is not literal but hyperbole—a way of saying God must take first place. When leaders put first things first, they can love their families, communities, and congregations more deeply through God’s love.

Cross-Shaped Leadership

Jesus’ call to carry the cross is not a metaphor about inconvenience—it was a death sentence in his day. For leaders, cross-bearing means embracing sacrifice:

  • Letting go of recognition.
  • Choosing faithfulness over popularity.
  • Releasing control to serve others.
  • Closing ministries or making hard calls for the sake of greater impact.

This is cross-shaped leadership: putting God’s mission above self-interest, modeling integrity, and leading with courage.

Practical Steps for Leaders

Tim suggested leaders conduct a priority audit by asking:

  • What’s driving this decision—God’s kingdom or our convenience?
  • What are we unwilling to lose? Could these be idols?
  • What would this look like if we put Jesus first?

These questions help leaders move beyond assumptions and engage their teams in honest dialogue. Discipleship isn’t a solo project—it happens in community. When leaders invite others to count the cost together, they strengthen the body of Christ.

Putting First Things First

At the heart of this passage is the reminder that discipleship is costly, but the kingdom of God is worth it.

As Tim reflected, prioritizing God’s love, grace, and justice requires leaders to model faithfulness regardless of circumstances. It also calls us to pray for those in authority—not because we agree or disagree, but because God’s love guides every decision that serves the good of all.

In Sara’s words: “Jesus isn’t calling you to convenience. He’s calling you to costly discipleship.”

Key Takeaways for Leaders

  • Count the cost before starting new initiatives.
  • Align with God’s priorities—love, justice, and generosity.
  • Embrace cross-shaped leadership that sacrifices personal comfort for kingdom impact.
  • Audit your priorities regularly to ensure Jesus is truly first.
  • Lead in community, not isolation, modeling God’s love for all.

When leaders put first things first, they reflect God’s economy where the mission is greater than personal gain. The call is radical, but the reward is life in God’s kingdom.

Looking for more resources on leading with God’s priorities? Explore additional episodes of the Transforming Mission Podcast and discover practical tools for Christ-centered leadership.