Proverbs 16:18 says: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (ESV)

James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (ESV).

Read more verses on leadership here.

Most people assume that the act of teaching, ministering, and mentoring fits with a high-level leadership position, when in fact our daily lives are filled with teaching moments. No matter what position you hold, the cause and effect of your sustainability as a leader, teacher, or pastor will depend on your understanding of pride. Make no mistake, with great responsibility comes great accountability. When God places you into a position of leadership, you become a walking target who can cause far greater damage than you ever imagined possible.

The Highest Trees Catch The Most Wind
With more responsibility comes greater accountability. Your leadership will face intense resistance. Resistance will come from your own fears and the scrutinizing of those around you. Yes, your authority will grow, and yes, you will garner more respect, but you will never be able to please everyone. Instead, become a God-pleaser. You are there not to push your own agenda, or that of a select group. You represent Jesus Christ to your entire congregation, team, or company. When challenges arise and opposition comes, you will most likely be affected the most. If you are prepared for this, then you will brave the strong winds as part of the territory that comes with being a leader.

 

You Are Now 3 x Accountable
A leader is 3 times accountable. First to God, then to family, and then to whomever you lead, whether it be your congregation, team, or company. Your actions will negatively or positively impact those 3 groups. This is a game-changer. Triple accountability requires you to take yourself out of the equation and lead with utter selflessness. Most mistakes happen when you force reality out of the way. When God, family, and your team/congregation is always at the forefront of your thinking, you will be slow to act, and quick to consider.

 

Temptation Will Triple
In 1 Peter 5:8 we read the following: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” If this does not convince you to live above reproach, then nothing will. The enemy is interested in causing the largest possible damage. When a leader falls, his three accountability groups (God, Family, Team/Congregation) is impacted the heaviest. In your leadership position, you will face more temptation than you have ever faced before. This realization might also be a strong indicator that God has you in exactly the right place. Stand firm!

 

Actions Speak Louder Than Words
A hypocrite does not understand the correlation between words and deeds. Lead with consistency. Let your yes be yes. Serve those whom you lead, lead those whom you serve. If you want change, you go and be the change.

 

Be Faithful In the Little Things
Accomplish what is placed before you. Don’t be hasty to move to bigger and better happenings. Everything is a lesson. Succeed, and you will pass. Pass, and you will be promoted. With promotion comes more responsibility, accountability, and greater wisdom. Soon you will be ready for whatever comes next.

 

You Are Not Of This World
Your leadership will succeed if and when you step into the realization that you are not of this world. With an eternal mindset, you purposefully focus on things that have everlasting value, keeping you from wasting time building an empire that will eventually crumble. You are a steward. Your leadership is entrusted to you. Your only right to your position is what God has given you. Focus on eternity and eternity will flow through your veins.

 

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This article was originally posted on Crossleadership.

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