Every leader takes hits—but maturity is learning which ones to absorb and which ones to address. In this episode of Student of Life, we look at how Jesus modeled restraint and discernment under pressure. Sometimes He took the hit and moved on. Other times, He spoke up and confronted what needed to change. True leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about knowing when to take the lick and when to take a stand.

Student of Life Guide: “Taking Licks: The Maturity of Leadership”

Key Idea: Mature leadership is knowing when to absorb a hit and when to take a stand. Jesus showed that true strength isn’t found in reacting—it’s found in responding with wisdom and restraint.

3 Big Insights

• You can’t lead without taking hits. Leadership invites misunderstanding, but maturity guards your response.

• Discernment is key. Jesus knew when to endure and when to confront. Both required courage.

• Maturity chooses purpose over pride. Every reaction reveals who’s really in control—you or your emotions.

Reflection Questions

1. What “lick” am I still carrying that God might be using to mature me?

2. How do I decide when to confront vs. when to move on?

3. What does it look like to respond in the Spirit instead of reacting in the flesh?

Application (Next Step)

• This week, when criticism or conflict hits, pause and ask: “Is this something I need to absorb or address?”

• Journal your decision and what it revealed about your maturity.

Anchor Thought“Jesus didn’t take every hit personally—He took it purposefully.”

It’s easy to say we have faith in God until that faith confronts the parts of us we don’t want to change. In this episode of Student of Life, we’ll unpack the danger of selective faith: trusting God in the areas that feel safe while resisting Him where it costs us most. Real faith doesn’t just comfort us it transforms us.

📘 Student of Life Guide (The Danger of Selective Faith)

Hebrews: 4:12

Key IdeaSelective faith trusts God up to the point where He asks us to change. Real faith doesn’t avoid confrontation it welcomes it, because confrontation is the doorway to transformation.

3 Big Insights

• Faith without confrontation is just comfort. If it never challenges me, it’s not shaping me.

• Selective faith limits growth. We can’t become who God made us to be while holding parts of ourselves off-limits.

• God confronts to free us. His conviction isn’t condemnation it’s an invitation into maturity.

Reflection Questions

1. Where am I asking God to bless me but not change me?

2. What part of the “real me” have I been protecting from His confrontation?

3. How would my faith look different if I welcomed conviction instead of avoiding it?

Application (Next Step)

• Write down one conviction God has been surfacing. Surrender it in prayer, then choose one practical action of obedience this week.

Anchor Thought
“Selective faith isn’t faith at all—it’s resistance in disguise.”

We’re shifting from a weekly season format to a monthly rhythm with room for bonus episodes along the way. The world is noisy, so instead of adding to the noise, each episode will carry more depth as in more meat than milk. In addition, each episode will have a Student of Life Guide to help you engage and go deeper with the content.

This new vision is personal: even if no one else listens, my kids will always have my voice and the lessons I’ve shared. At the same time, I deeply appreciate everyone who continues to rock with me you matter, and I value you.

#faith #ministry #leadership #stewardship