“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves.” — Harry S. Truman
A certain Emperor of a kingdom was walking along the outskirts of a city when he encountered a very old man walking confidently and upright in the opposite direction.
“Who are you?” the emperor asked the man.
“I am a king,” replied the old man.
“A king? Over what kingdom do you reign?”
“Over myself,” the old man answered.
Yes! Each one of us is a ruler over the territory of our own lives. As children of God, we are called to exercise dominion—not just over things or people—but first and foremost, over ourselves. We must govern our own hearts, thoughts, and actions under the lordship of Christ.
True and godly leadership begins with YOU.
The strength and anointing behind your leadership is not just in what you do publicly but in the Christlike life you live daily. Ministry and leadership must overflow from the well of personal holiness, integrity, and intimacy with God.
Before you carry the burden of others, you must learn to carry yourself. As Jesus said, “Physician, heal thyself” (Luke 4:23). You must lead yourself before you can be trusted to lead others in the Body of Christ.
A. FOUNDATION FOR SELF-CONQUEST
Scriptural References: Proverbs 16:32; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 John 8
To lead yourself means to bring your own life under the control of the Holy Spirit, laying hold of God’s grace to live righteously, conquer your flesh, overcome sin, walk in the fear of God, and become an example of the believers (1 Tim. 4:12).
Here are timeless truths every believer and minister must embrace:
- Conquering yourself is the first and greatest spiritual battle you will face.
- You are the largest crowd you will ever shepherd.
- The biggest leadership challenge is leading yourself daily in the fear of God.
- If you fail to lead yourself, you will not succeed in leading others.
- It is better to rule your spirit than to be a mighty warrior (Proverbs 16:32).
- It is better to lead yourself in holiness than to build great churches and ministries.
- If your private life lacks discipline, your public ministry will eventually collapse.
- The smallest but most significant congregation you will ever pastor is yourself.
“When we are foolish, we want to conquer the world. When we are wise, we want to conquer ourselves.” — John Foster
“The only conquests which are permanent and leave no regrets are conquests of ourselves. Don’t try to conquer the world until you’ve taken care of your own backyard.” — Napoleon Bonaparte
B. VITAL AREAS FOR SELF-MINISTRY
The battle against self is the fiercest warfare you will ever fight. The greatest hindrance to your progress in God is not people or demons—it’s your own inner life. As Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Here are the key areas you must submit to God’s lordship and lead with diligence:
- Spiritual Life – Have a vibrant, intimate, daily walk with the Lord. Prayer, the Word, and fellowship are non-negotiable.
- Self-Identity – Know who you are in Christ and be rooted in your spiritual position as a child of God.
- Inner Life – Face your inner fears, doubts, pride, and unresolved wounds. These can sabotage your destiny.
- Private Life – Your private struggles, if not dealt with, will destroy your public ministry.
- Emotions – If you are led by your feelings, passions, or moods, then you’re not truly free.
- Finances – If you are greedy, covetous, or stingy, your heart is not aligned with kingdom stewardship.
- Mind – A lazy or undisciplined mind cannot host great visions or revelations from God.
- Morality – If your character is double-faced or carnal, it will bring reproach to your calling.
- Social Life – If your attitude is always harsh, negative, or sarcastic, you’ll push people away.
- Health – If you neglect your body through poor rest, eating habits, or stress, your ministry will suffer.
- Communication – If you cannot speak in love, listen, or share clearly, your team and relationships will break down.
- Family – If you neglect your spouse, children, or home, you have ignored your first ministry.
Your growth in these areas will determine the fruitfulness and longevity of your calling. If you don’t intentionally work on yourself, nobody can do it for you. And if you rely only on anointing without character, your downfall is only a matter of time.
Don’t disappoint yourself, your loved ones, or your divine assignment. Lead yourself well, through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Recommended Reading
The Best Friend Of Every Spiritual Leader
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Daniel
Preparing To Go Into Marriage…For Singles
C. HOW TO TRULY LEAD YOURSELF WELL
Some leaders try to cover up their weaknesses or ignore their personal struggles. This is spiritual foolishness. When you avoid dealing with your inner man, you sabotage your own future.
Here are ten practical ways to lead yourself well in Christ:
- Fellowship with the Lord (1 John 1:3)
Make time daily to pray, read the Bible, worship, and listen to God. Don’t let ministry activities replace intimacy with Jesus. - Submit under God-ordained leadership (Hebrews 6:12)
You must follow others in humility before you can lead well. Be accountable. Let someone correct, mentor, and speak into your life. - Pursue Personal Growth
Never stop growing. Read, learn, take courses, and invest in both spiritual and professional development. Your growth fuels your ministry. - Allow God’s Dealings (Matthew 3:2–3)
When God takes you through painful processes, He is refining you. Don’t resist His pruning—yield to it. - Practice Self-Discipline (Proverbs 25:28)
Deny the flesh. Train your body and mind. Learn to pray when you don’t feel like it. Fast. Speak the truth. Be consistent. - Invite Feedback and Correction
Don’t be defensive. Receive both praise and criticism with grace. Often, your critics may be telling you what your friends avoid saying. - Stay Hungry for Growth
Never settle. Yesterday’s success is not today’s victory. Press on toward maturity and excellence in every area. - Spend Time Alone with God
Get quiet before the Lord. Let His fire purify every hidden weakness and every hidden sin. - Be a Living Example of What You Preach
People are watching. Nothing destroys your influence more than preaching one thing and living another. Be consistent in public and in private. - Pursue Holistic Growth
Strive for balance. Grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and relationally. Growth is a lifelong journey.
Beloved, the Lord is counting on you to represent Him well—not just on the pulpit but in the secret place, in your home, in your decisions, and in your habits.
Lead yourself first, and the anointing of God will rest upon you to lead others with power, humility, and eternal impact.