Some opportunities do more than give you a position, they shape your life, test your heart, and prepare you for greater responsibilities. From my early teaching days, I had the privilege of serving closely with my principal, acting as a trusted ally in both academic and administrative matters. Later, I was appointed chaplain to the Bishop, a role that deepened my understanding of spiritual leadership.
Today, I serve as General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria under the Primate. Each of these roles has been more than a title, they have been sacred trusts that tested my loyalty, stretched my capacity, and shaped my character. Serving as a chaplain, personal assistant, secretary, aide, or in any other support role to leaders is far more than a job, it is a rare privilege and a high honour.
These roles are priceless classrooms. They offer proximity to wisdom, insight into strategic decision-making, and a front-row seat to leadership in action. I have learnt both _how to and how not to_ in life, leadership, and administration. When approached with humility and diligence, these positions can become ladders to higher responsibilities, equipping one with lessons no formal course can teach.
One of the richest benefits of this journey has been the training in discipline, discretion, and diligence. Serving closely with leaders sharpens your ability to manage time, handle confidential matters, and anticipate needs before they are expressed. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). Every day, the pressures of responsibility refine both character and skill.
Yet, service comes with a cost. It often demands early mornings, late nights, and constant readiness, leaving little personal time. Your life is no longer entirely your own, because you are committed to making another’s mission possible. This sacrifice is part of faithful stewardship, “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Sadly, some fail to grow through these opportunities. Instead of humility, pride takes root. Some become rude, dismissive, and intoxicated with their access to power. Rather than building bridges, they create barriers, alienating others and tarnishing their reputation. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
When such individuals leave office, they are remembered not for competence but for arrogance and misconduct. Some betray confidences, exploit closeness to leaders for personal gain, or block access out of pettiness. Such actions dishonour both God and man, and close the door to future opportunities.
For this reason, I call on all who are serving, or will serve, to see their role as a platform for godliness and blessing, not control or self-promotion. Your influence should ease the burdens of others, not weigh them down. Serve “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). Every act of kindness, discretion, and diligence strengthens your credibility. A loyal subordinate is not just a helper, they are a potential leader.
Finally, serving closely with leaders is both a school and a stage. It teaches the principles of life and leadership while revealing your true character. Handled well, it prepares you for greater assignments; mishandled, it destroys trust and legacy. The highest honour in leadership remains the honour of faithful service: “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
We are not alone.
God is with us.
Gershinen Paul Dajur
Thursday, August 14, 2025
