Overcoming Your Shadow Mission

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The challenges and demands of leadership can evoke various fears, such as fear of failure, criticism, and disappointing others. However, the most profound fear for leaders is not external but internal—a degeneration of the heart that undermines their calling and leads to soul dissatisfaction. John Ortberg explores this fear through the concepts of mission and shadow mission. A mission represents our highest purpose, while a shadow mission is a deviation from that purpose, often subtle yet significant. Ortberg notes that shadow missions can be enticing as they align closely with our gifts and passions, but even a slight deviation can lead us astray. Every leader, including Jesus, faced the temptation of a shadow mission, which in His case involved avoiding suffering. Ortberg emphasizes that failing to embrace our true mission results in living out a shadow mission, leading to lives centered on unworthy pursuits. Using the story of Esther from the Old Testament, he illustrates the dire consequences of succumbing to shadow missions and the rewards of fully committing to one's mission. With humor and insight, Ortberg encourages us to follow Esther's example, embracing our God-given mission and leading fearlessly, knowing that God is at work in unseen ways.