Throughout the pages of history, we have witnessed the public downfall of leaders in most every profession of life – politics, business, sports, and religion (just to name a few). In order to prepare the leaders of tomorrow – and to assist the leaders of today – let us look at a few of the questions that bombard my mind. Why do leaders fall? What sets success apart from failure?

 

As a minister, I look at this from a first-hand perspective. I know what it’s like to be on top of the world one day and then, on the next day, the world is on top of you! With all of the experience I’ve obtained, with all the education I’ve completed, with all the achievements in life I’ve accomplished – I know that I am still not exempt from failure and disgrace. Sure, we’ve all worked hard to obtain our positions of leadership, but that doesn’t mean that we are bulletproof and automatically in everyone’s graces. The difference between a beloved leader and a despised failure is only one mistake away. The step from “success to failure” is shorter than most realize.

 

Right now, there is a great need in the Kingdom for leaders that will lead. We are desperate for leaders that will step up and decide, proclaim, and direct – no matter the day, time, pay, circumstance, or situation! The church is looking for leaders that choose to lead despite the cost of responsibility.

 

To better help us avoid mishaps and mistakes, let’s examine a few dangers leaders face.

 

   1.) It is very easy to lose sight of what is important. Our focus can get

        placed elsewhere.

 

   2.) The focused vision and attitude that moved us from nowhere to

        somewhere disappears. The very characteristics that made us a

        success seem to fade.

 

   3.) The trappings of leadership, such as wealth and notoriety, distract us.

 

   4.) All of a sudden there is a need for us to be a something (a title or a

        position) instead of a somebody for God. We begin to play a part

        instead of live a life.

 

   5.) We may get our eyes focused on people and things instead of focused

        on God. When we gain people’s attention we generally lose God’s.

 

   6.) Discouragement often sets in because we are looking for results and

        there is nothing for us to see but more work.

    

   7.) Frustrations can keep you from focusing. We must look past our    

        problems and see the solutions.

 

   8.) A subtle leadership destroyer is an obsession with "doing" rather than

        “becoming.” It is very possible for a leader to become too action-

         oriented and, in the process, lose touch with the more important

         development of self.

 

The best way to overcome a distraction or a shift in focus is to clarify your vision and develop your passion for God and the things of God. The Lord placed this zeal within us and He will enable us to accomplish it. Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) says, “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]…” We are called to look beyond our limitations and the short-term, carnal things. We must look unto and seek after the eternal – the abundant and the Divine.

 

What is your vision?  Has the weight of this world squelched your dream? I charge you to search yourself and make sure that you are still pursuing and fulfilling that which the Lord has called you to do. No one else in this Kingdom has been created to do your share of the work. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, the option of failure exists. When you lead, there is always responsibility – responsibility for either triumph or catastrophe. But, remember, we serve a big and faithful God. He will forever empower, equip, and qualify those whom He calls. Seek after God, lead those whom He has given you, and establish His work on this earth. Be aware of the pitfalls. Be conscious of the costs. Be worthy of the rewards.