What makes Christian leadership different or harder than other types of leadership? Let’s face it, Christian leaders are under attack. The enemy will do all he can to discredit us, to tempt us, to cause us to lose integrity, or at least to bring our integrity into question.
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore should be a required study for every woman in ministry. If we think we cannot be deceived by the enemy’s tactics, then we are in a position to fall. Leaders today must be prepared and armored (Eph. 6) so we will be able to flee when God tells us to flee (1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22) and stand firm when He tells us to stand firm in the face of the enemy (Eph. 6:11,14). Leaders we least expect to fall—those who seem to be strong and close to the Lord—fall. Why? They are either not prepared, did not flee, or did not stand firm in their faith.
Falls can happen to any of us if we are not prepared and aware of Satan’s deceptive ways. Galatians 6:1 tells us, “Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted.” As leaders, we are not immune.
Satan continually tempts us to sin, but we shouldn’t confuse temptation with sin. Temptation is not all bad. Rick Warren says “every temptation is an opportunity to do good. On the path to spiritual maturity, even temptation becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block when you realize it’s just as much an occasion to do the right thing as to do the wrong thing. God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing circumstances in which you are tempted to express the exact opposite quality. Character development always involves a choice. And temptation provides that opportunity.”1
Temptation begins in the mind, so guard your mind. Guard your eyes and ears so impure thoughts do not hang on and invade the heart, becoming sin. Daily offer your life as a sacrifice to God and keep your heart and mind on what is honorable. (See Rom. 12:1-2 and Phil. 4:8-9.) Examine each thought, use your Sword, flee the enemy, and ask God’s help as you put on His armor.
This article is adapted from a chapter written by Chris Adams and found in Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Ministry compiled by Chris Adams.
1. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002), 201.
