Recognizing the corrupting effect of power or control on oneself, even for mature Christian leaders, can be like trying to read a large fold-out map while holding it less than an inch from your face. The closer your eyes are to your destination on the map the harder it is to see the big picture. The more obsessed leaders are with their stated vision and strategic plan, the less they notice the image bearers of God whom they are leading. With their eyes on their metrics and their man-made goals, they don't even see the bridges they are burning or the innocent travelers they are recklessly running over to get there. Instead of considering the mutual interests, valid concerns, and unique abilities of all the talented people they are leading and then working together in synergy, they dismiss or ignore them, fearful that someone will try to hinder their progress or keep them from their targets.
Effective accountability systems are essential for anyone who wants to avoid becoming a toxic leader. Leaders need a trusted community who will encourage them to step away from the map and refocus. Within the family of faith, we are responsible for exhorting one another. May we speak truth in love, reminding leaders that the business, organization, political body, ministry, school, agency, or whatever they are directing is only a temporary, man-made concept or institution. It's value is limited by how much God chooses to bless it. It is not sacred or eternal. Even our most righteous acts or brilliant strategic plans are as filthy rags in God's sight. (Isaiah 64:6) The people who work for, minister through, serve, partner with, or are being served by this institution, however, are infinitely valuable. Their souls are both sacred and eternal. They are made in God's own image. God is much more interested in how we treat His image bearers than in what our little fleeting enterprise accomplishes.
Whether we are leading or following, let us take a step back and refocus on the big picture. May we remind ourselves and our leaders to consider the people and God's purposes, not just our plans. May we encourage one another to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. May we rely on God for each new step instead of clinging to any perceived power associated with our appointed positions, desperate to carry out our own plans and purposes at any cost because our flesh wants to believe that our coveted ends will justify any means. Peace, purpose, love, joy and eternal prosperity abound only when we revere and fear the living, omnipotent, creator God above all. As much as we love being in control, we ultimately are not. God is sovereign. Let us willingly and prayerfully submit to His leading over our lives and our institutions.
