If being a leader means violating Kingdom principles to accomplish a Kingdom goal–even a greater goal–then I will refrain from being a leader. This is something you must determine in your heart, no matter what “success” you observe in the world–or the Church.
One of the great tragedies in the Church is the willingness of men and women to rationalize away the Way of Jesus to accomplish something great for Jesus.
This is the bleating of sheep and the lowing of oxen in the ears of our Lord (1 Sam 15:14).
You will possibly gain a following, popularity, and future generations will sing your praises–particularly the upright ones who were not privy to your compromise–but your soul will not be at rest, yes, even over one violation.
Be careful. The bleating of sheep is so so tempting. The pull of the lowing of oxen is doubly strong. And many people have given in to them in the name of Christ revealing their true nature as leaders.
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Would you be interested in reviewing a pre-release copy of my new book To the Edge: Reflections on Kingdom Leadership, Mission, and Innovation for your blog, journal, podcast, or Amazon? Contact me at jpayne@brookhills.org .