As you build and lead the culture of your church, pre-agree that unity of the body around the biblical mission takes precedent over personal passion and agenda.
2. Envy
The hidden envy that resides in one’s soul leads to discontent and unhealthy competition.
The past twenty-four months have increased secretly harbored envy to a significant degree.
This envy can come from things such as personal losses, smaller physical church attendance, and even seeing others succeed. Envy can get a foothold in your heart when you realize that you are working hard and have less than others.
Envy is linked to comparison with others who have something you don’t, and it robs your joy.
The spiritual remedy to envy is contentment. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Contentment isn’t an excuse for lack of growth or a suggestion to “settle,” it’s a disposition of gratitude.
God wants you to live out your passion for personal growth and Kingdom advancement. The aim is to do so with genuine inner contentment and God as your source for peace and joy.
3. Complacency
Complacency is the most contagious of the enemies of the soul. You will catch it from the people closest to you, and others will catch it if it’s in you.
Complacency comes from a variety of causes and in many different forms:
- The gifted leader who is bored.
- The hurt leader who is wounded.
- The exhausted leader who needs soul level refreshing.
- The cynical leader who is burned out.
- The lazy leader who doesn’t want to grow.
- The discouraged leader who needs a fresh perspective.
Regardless of the reason, complacency allows leaders to coast and give less than their best.
The spiritual remedy for complacency is a passion for your purpose. (Acts 20:24)
Passion for your purpose (mission/vision) that will last begins with a burden.
What has God allowed to lay heavy on your heart so that you are compelled to take action?
4. Gossip
Gossip is the great destroyer of relationships. Why is it that it’s so prevalent?
To talk about another person in their absence, in a way that questions their character, motives, or value, is one of the great poisons of any family, group, or organization.
Gossip breeds distrust and breaks down loyalty.
The spiritual remedy to gossip is encouragement. (Ephesians 4:29)
