Leadership That Knows When to Leave

This morning I read the transcript of an interview with Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, and this part of it was fascinating to me regarding position, power, and influence…

“Due to the rules by which I entered, once I’m done I will leave politics. Once I finish either my first term or my second term, I will no longer be in politics.

“The day I finish this, I plan on going to live in a ranch by myself, with my dogs, and devote myself to writing and giving lectures.

“I’ve already discovered what gives me happiness in life, and I act according to it.

“Generally some people want power out of greed, out of lust, or out of ego. Well, fortunately I have no problems on greed, nor lust; and my approach to Judaism, and my admiration for Moses, keeps my ego in check all the time.

“So, I take this as a job. I’ve come here only for the glory. I’m interested in making history. I shall write the pages of history that the Argentine people allow me to, and then I’ll change jobs.”

Whether one would agree with his politics or not, there is something clarifying about this statement.

Power, Glory, and Identity

Power is dangerous when it becomes identity, and authority corrodes when it’s treated as ownership rather than stewardship.

Scripture repeatedly warns us that leadership is temporary, borrowed, and accountable…

Leadership Is Temporary by Design

Kings were anointed and appointed by God, not enthroned by ambition. Judges were raised up, but then stepped aside for another to lead. Prophets spoke as temporary tools for God to communicate to humanity, then went back to obscurity.

The Danger of Holding Influence Too Tightly

For this reason, the problem isn’t influence, the problem is when influence refuses to let go.

I see this in relation to the church God has blessed me to lead. I don’t want to overstay my assignment, and neither do I want to shrink back from it. Milei was drawing a distinction between power and glory that I feel resonates with me deeply. It’s subtle, but it’s important.

Power says, “This exists for me.” Glory says, “I exist for something bigger than me.”

That distinction shows up all through Scripture…

• Saul grasped power and lost the kingdom.
• David held the throne loosely and was called a man after God’s heart.
• Jesus refused political power entirely, yet changed history forever.
• Jesus even “made Himself of no reputation” and then stepped away from the crowds repeatedly.

As a result, I realize there is some tension in the idea of glory, but properly positioned, there’s something important to take away…

The Bible is clear, that God does not share His glory in the sense of worship, supremacy, or ultimate credit.

“My glory I will not give to another.” Isaiah 42:8

That glory belongs to God alone… Creation. Salvation. Sovereignty. Redemption. Those are non-transferable.

But Scripture also speaks of another kind of glory that humans can participate in without robbing God. It’s “entrusted” or “reflected” glory. God repeatedly gives glory in the sense of honor, responsibility, and visible weight.

Glory That Passes Through, Not Terminates

• “You have crowned him with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:5
• “Those who honor Me I will honor.” 1 Samuel 2:30
• “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father.” Matthew 5:16

Notice the flow.

The glory passes through us.

It does not terminate on us.

That distinction matters, because glory is safest when it’s held loosely, worn humbly, and returned quickly… That kind of glory doesn’t compete with God, it points back to Him.

Now going back to Milei’s speech, one line really stood out to me:

“I already know what gives me happiness in life.”

That matters so much. People who know where their joy comes from are far less likely to exploit others to get it. I’ve watched when leaders were confused about this, and the damage they bring into the leadership arena.

But when fulfillment through selflessly serving God is settled in the heart, ambition loses its teeth. When ego is restrained, authority can actually serve.

For that reason, here’s a question I think is worth contemplating long and meaningfully… and it applies far beyond politics. It’s good for pastors, and for ministry leaders, for sure… certainly it’s sitting with me…

Would I still obey God if this role ended tomorrow?

Could I walk away from influence without losing myself?

Am I serving for assignment or clinging for identity?

The kingdom of God has never advanced through people desperate to stay relevant… It has always moved through people who were willing to be used and then released.

The Question Every Leader Must Answer

This is why, for the season that God has positioned me to serve, I’ll do it with everything I’ve got and pour myself into it the best I can. For some, that will be enough, and for others they will find me lacking. Either way, I will know that I gave it my best. But then, when the assignment shifts, I trust that God’s grace will be sufficient to redirect my passion and purpose into his next mission.

Steward well.
Hold loosely.
Leave clean.

I think that will honor God well.