"...to be helped, we all need to also shed our 'superman complex'". That was Sola, commenting on one of my recent posts, actually the one about "stepping out of the crowd to be a burden bearer to others..."
Unknown to Sola, his comment was literally echoing a discussion we recently had in a Zoom class of Pauline studies. Paul admitted to the Philippian church, "I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer..." (Phil. 1:19)
Paul wasn't self-conscious or self-conceited in expressing confidence in the prayer of his followers. Despite his apostolic authority, the Apostle would often ask for prayer (Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Ephesians 6:19). His requests, which he characteristically makes with the strongest possible appeal, normally, reveal his deepest longings, fears, limitations, sufferings, struggles and submission to God's will.
Paul's spiritual insights and exploits were unparalleled and even sublime, but he was never deluded into thinking he was invincible. He didn't cloak himself with a 'High and mighty' or 'Holier than thou' attitude. Paul shared his humanity. He reached out for help when he needed it.
As a spiritual leader, don't cloak yourself out of reality. Don't be embarrassed to express your vulnerability. Like Sola said, shed your superman complex. Superman complex is an unhealthy sense of responsibility, or a belief that "I have the exclusive capacity to come to the aid of others, while I am immune to being helped." Superhumans only exist in fictions.
Leadership is a privilege to serve others through our humanity. In sharing our humanity, we need others to bear our own burdens too. When our humanity is masked by the facade of a superhero, we fence off any possibility for help. Don't drive yourself toward the edge of the precipice of burnout. Never forget that the treasure is in earthen vessel (2 Cor 4:7).
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