The Heart of Leadership - Captain America: The First Avenger

Published January 1, 2025
The Heart of Leadership - Captain America: The First Avenger

Great leaders lead through sacrifice.

Money. Time. Dreams. Energy. Comfort. Security.

The list goes on, but the point is clear. Great leaders put the needs of others first, often doing so in ways that are unseen and unrecognized. It's what we find about Steve Rogers--Captain America--so compelling.

Throwing himself on a grenade to protect his unit, the soon-to-be-transformed Steve Rogers puts his life on the line. Not knowing the grenade was a test, Rogers yells for everyone to "Get away! Get back!" While everyone else ducked for cover, Steve smothered the grenade with his body, fully expecting to die.

He's not striving for recognition.
For awards.
Not desperate for praise. 
Or to impress.
He’s simply doing what great leaders do—sacrificing for the sake of others.

This moment captures something deep inside us. It echoes a biblical vision of leadership—one we instinctively admire, even if we struggle to live it.

Consider the words of Jesus.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

Jesus didn’t just die for His friends.
He gave His life for His enemies.

So here’s the question:

Do you live this way?
Is this the kind of leadership you celebrate… or actually emulate?
Is this what you vote for, cheer for, model at home, and practice at work?
How can you lead in such a way so that you lift others up today—instead of using others to lift yourself up?

What do you need to sacrifice for the sake of your:

Family?
Church?
Team?

Don't run from sacrificial leadership.
It's not weakness.

Come to find out... leading like Jesus is actually your greatest strength.