- Sometimes we're pushed in.
- Sometimes we fall in.
- Sometimes we jump in.
I wish I could tell you that leading is always easy. However, there are pitfalls we have to watch out for when endeavor to lead. As a pastor, father, husband, mentor and a Christian it's easy to make mistakes because of a lack of wisdom.
We need the wisdom of our elders to avoid...
1. Arrogance
- Paul instructs his son in the faith, Timothy, to NOT let his youthfulness and lack of experience get in the way of leading.
- "Let not man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
- The best thing a young leader can do is learn from a seasoned leader and stay in the protection of their covering.
- Every leader is full of ideas that could possibly change the world! This is always GOOD...however, it can turn sour if that ambition seals us off from needed rebuke, wisdom of mentors and constructive criticism.
- A leader who lacks experience must doubly fortify their future effectiveness by avoiding the disguise of pride.
2. Showmanship
- There is nothing wrong with wanting to be successful. There are many people in ministry who have a proven track record of growth. However, what we must avoid is the thought that showmanship and popularity is the path to success.
- The key is to check our hearts to see if our motivations for ministry are to glorify God and serve His people or to enrich ourselves.
3. Competition
- Every leader has to grow into their own skin. It takes time to gain confidence and discover your life and purpose. While that's happening, there's the danger of comparing yourself to others.
- God has uniquely created you for a purpose. Be comfortable in your own skin and be happy about who you are in Christ and steer clear of competing with your peers.
4. Extreme Reformation
- We are all aware of things that are out of balance or in need of serious improvement in the church. Growing up in a church culture, that is less than perfect, can cause us to become very critical of "the establishment." If we're not careful, we can set out to prove the establishment wrong by declaring we're going to be "just the opposite." In doing so, we cast a negative light on our heritage, which can be perceived as disrespectful.
- Yes...I agree, there must be changes for the good. I look over my shoulder and see parts of my upbringing that I wish were different. However, if I spend my entire ministry trying to PROVE how wrong the culture I was raised in was, then I hurt my effectiveness to be received by both the former and the next generation.
- The last thing I need to do is become a REACTIONARY leader...driven into imbalance about the very thing I'm trying to prove was out of balance.
- Isn't it time that the church is known for what it's FOR rather than what it's always AGAINST?
- Avoid being known as the leader who is always seeking to be the polar opposite of everyone else. Yes...be yourself...but don't be weird.
5. Extremism
- Did God really call you to fix everything that's wrong? Sometimes in our effort to be the "solution" we become the "problem." Who said you're supposed to be the hero that fixes it all?
- The people God uses to help His church stay on track are not egotistical know-it-alls. They are humble men and women who embrace people and have an understanding of the times. They are also very methodic in how they implement changes that impact people's lives.
- People may like you, speak well of you and have confidence in you. However, don't let that make you think you're the only one God is using. He's using many people in this generation.
- Eat the elephant one bite at a time. Pace yourself. Prepare yourself. Don't RUSH into anything without careful planning, prayer, covering and counsel. Your story is not your own. God is still the author and finisher of our faith and it's Him who is going to receive the glory at the end of the day...not you.
- Stay humble. Stay balanced. Stay focused. Stay the course.
- God loves us when we're a bit broken.
If you're in the pit today...yell for help. You'll find there's probably a seasoned leader nearby who has access to a rope or a ladder to pull you out.
