The Hidden Danger of the Spotlight

Chris Pratt was recently on the Stephen Colbert show. I caught a reel that popped up on my social media where he was talking about his faith and this quote he heard in his church recently: “If the spotlight that is on you is brighter than the one that is in you, it will kill you.”

This statement is a sobering reminder for any man called to leadership—especially Christian men who are tasked with leading in their homes, churches, and businesses. We live in a world that glorifies external success, public recognition, and platform-building. But as Christian men, our leadership must be rooted in something far deeper than visibility or influence—it must be anchored in character, integrity, and a thriving personal relationship with Christ.

The Trap of External Validation

Many leaders have fallen because they prioritized the public image over private devotion. It’s easy to get caught up in building a name, seeking applause, or chasing success while neglecting the inner life that sustains true leadership. When the spotlight on us is brighter than the one within us, we begin operating in our own strength rather than God’s. This leads to exhaustion, compromise, and ultimately, collapse.

Jesus warned against this kind of leadership:

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

A man can gain influence, wealth, and recognition, yet lose everything that truly matters. Leadership without a strong inner foundation is like a house built on sand—it may stand for a while, but when storms come, it will crumble (Matthew 7:24-27).

The Light Within: Cultivating the Inner Life

If we want to sustain leadership in a healthy, God-honoring way, we must ensure that the light within us—the presence of God, the discipline of prayer, and the integrity of our character—is burning brighter than any external recognition we receive. Here’s how:

1. Prioritize Your Walk with God – Before leading others, we must be men who abide in Christ (John 15:5). Daily time in Scripture and prayer isn’t optional—it’s essential.

2. Lead from Identity, Not Image – Our worth isn’t found in followers, applause, or achievements. It’s found in Christ alone. When we lead from identity rather than image, we are free from the pressure to perform.

3. Surround Yourself with Accountability – The greatest leaders have godly men around them who will speak truth, challenge blind spots, and call them back when they drift. Who in your life has permission to ask hard questions?

4. Embrace Hiddenness and Humility – Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16). A leader who refuses to step out of the public eye to tend to his soul is heading toward burnout.

The True Measure of Leadership

At the end of our lives, God won’t be impressed by how many people knew our name. He will look at how we stewarded what He entrusted to us—our faith, our families, and our integrity. The goal isn’t a spotlight; the goal is to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Men, let’s be leaders who shine from the inside out, not the outside in. Let’s ensure that the light within us—the presence of Christ—is greater than any platform, position, or praise we receive. Because if the spotlight on us ever outshines the one within us, it won’t just dim—it will destroy.