Why I Let Myself Become the Punching Bag
Developing Thick Skin as Leaders
This week, I made a decision that hurt. Not just me, but others too. It was one of those leadership moments where no one wins, and yet, something had to be done.
I knew stepping into it would bring criticism. I knew I’d be misunderstood. But I also knew this: good leaders can take the hit—and keep moving.
Leadership doesn’t mean avoiding the punches. It means learning how to absorb them without losing who you are. And that takes a different kind of armor.
“Leadership is like wearing chain mail—strong enough to take the hits, flexible enough to keep moving. It’s protection without paralysis. And every leader needs it.”
🛡 Ready to build your leadership chain mail?
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Thick Skin, Soft Heart
This past week, I faced one of those decisions every leader dreads—the kind you wish you could avoid, but deep down, know you can’t. It was the kind of decision where nobody wins. It was lose-lose all around, and I had to be willing to take the punches. I knew a certain group wouldn’t understand, that I’d become their target, and that accusations, misun…
Pastor Jon, I've recently wondered how and why, folks who are called to lead people out of bondage and live, move and thrive in freedom, turn right around and place those same people right back into bondage? I personally believe, it's an issue on both sides. The persons who are assisting in ones breaking free and walking in freedom have pride issues perhaps; are on a "Power trip"? And the ones breaking free, don't seek the only one who can indeed set them free. That would be Jesus Christ alone. Jesus wants all eyes only on Him; no human, only Him. That's where the freedom is. That was a great lesson for me. I'm so thankful He gave me discernment. God Bless you pastor.
In my spiritual journey I begin in a walled castle. Armor of any type wasn’t sufficient protection for my insecurities. I’d say chain mail is a positive progression towards maturity into our goal of total security in Christ.
This is my favorite biblical example of allowing Jesus to be my defender and protector. It works beautifully as long as I remember that I’m an ambassador for him in all I endeavor allowing Him to be my defender. The men were king David’s representatives. That’s all that I ever want to be to Jesus.
“So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. When David was told about this, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king said, “Stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back.””
2 Samuel 10:4-5 NIV
No matter how badly I’m attacked or humiliated, as a representative of Jesus, I can trust he’s always my defender-
my vindicator. I still experience the humiliation and pain of the rejection, but I can default back into the rest and care of Jesus’ covenant love and protection.