Avoid Slipping on the Climb

I remember a leader told me once not to believe my press clippings. He was telling me not to get too full of myself based on what others tell me. Many great preachers, such as healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman, would not read letters of praise or criticism because they sought to be concerned only with what God said and thought about them.

Solomon so plainly said, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).

Strong and highly effective leaders walk on a slippery slope.

Pride can attack a leader more quickly than competitive forces.

Loving leaders seek meekness. Meekness is not weakness. You may have heard meekness defined as strength under control. That is a good way to define it.

Jesus described Himself as meek, and He was anything but weak.

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30).

I am constantly reminded to stay low as I think big. I heard evangelist Oral Roberts tell others that his mother regularly reminded him to stay below himself.

The same is true of us as leaders. If we are wise, we know the power doesn’t come from ourselves but from God.

The strength and wisdom to lead our teams comes from the Lord.

“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me walk on my high places” (Habakkuk 3:19, emphasis mine).