6. When we do not build on character and integrity, our foundation is built on sand.
We need to build our lives upon the foundations of character and integrity, not on our gifts and talents. Jesus speaks about the beatitudes before He calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:1-16). A life built upon gifts and talents without commensurate integrity and character will not finish well. It is a train wreck waiting to happen.
7. There are no shortcuts to success.
One of the accusations against Driscoll was the way Mars Hill (supposedly) used their vast mailing list of church members to purchase a newly-released book he authored to ensure that the book would make the New York Times bestseller list. While what they did was not illegal, it was not ethical in regards to the biblical ethic, according to some critics.
Consequently, Mark repented of this and took the New York Times bestseller status off of his biography.
8. Know who your true friends are before the crisis hits.
Too often, leaders hit a wall, lose their influence and find out they have few friends who will stand with them and help restore them. One important lesson here is to identify leaders and friends who love you for who you are and do not need nor desire your influence and power. These are the only ones who will love you unconditionally if the day comes when you are in a vulnerable place. Woe to the one who falls and has no one to pick him up (Ecclesiastes 4:10).
9. Leaders need to prioritize spiritual formation in the midst of a busy schedule.
One of the ways the enemy gets us to fall is to get us so immersed in the “Lord’s work” that we neglect our walk with the Lord. There are times when I am so busy that it is harmful to my soul. When we do not have a sacred rhythm in our lives with times of regular sabbath and renewal, we are not allowing God to have space in our lives to bring inner transformation. This will eventually lead to burnout and a career crash.
10. It is not how you start but how you finish that matters most.
Many young leaders have started out well with amazing church growth and popularity. Consequently, thousands of other young leaders are enamored and begin to emulate them and model their lives, ministry and doctrine on them. I have learned a long time ago that we can never judge the ministry or mettle of a man until they go through the fire. Jesus told us that only those who build their house on the Rock will be able to stand once the storms and fiery trials of life hit (Matthew 7:24-27).
