#4 – Am I Being Lazy?  

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, A WORKMAN…”

One of the biggest temptations for a leader is to become lazy and the begin to expect God to do what HE has clearly commanded the leader to do.

• It is my responsibility as a leader to make sure I am prepared to preach God’s Word every Sunday.
• It is my responsibility as a leader to make sure that I am growing in my faith and in my leadership abilities.
• It is my responsibility as a leader to work hard, to put time, effort and energy into the things God has called me to lead.

One of the most dangerous things a leader can do is put their leadership on cruise control.  God didn’t call us to cruise…He called us to create…and that ONLY comes through us being willing to roll up our sleeves and WORK HARD.

#5 – Is There Anything I Am Ashamed Of?  

II Timothy 2:15, “…who does not need to be ashamed…”

One of the VALUES that leaders MUST constantly place in front of them is the value of personal integrity.

I always ask the question when our church is ordaining someone, “Is there anything going on in your life privately that, if it became public, would disqualify you from ministry?”

Boys and girls…we’ve GOT to be SERIOUS about integrity!  Yes, we are in a battle…but I Corinthians 10:13 tells us there is a way out of temptation…that we do not have to bow down to it but rather through Christ we can stand up under it!!!

We don’t need any more pastors/ministry leaders making horrible moral decisions!  Seriously…we should be willing to take whatever steps necessary to guard ourselves!

One thing I know about God…He doesn’t play!  Galatians 6:7 says He will not be mocked…and to the ministry leader that pretends all is well but has sin issues that he refuses to confess and repent of…bro, God doesn’t play games!

So…what steps are you taking to safeguard yourself?  Some of mine are…

• I do not handle the money at NewSpring Church.
• I do not counsel women.
• I do not travel alone–ever!
• I will not ride alone with a woman in a car other than Lucretia!
• I will not have lunch or dinner (or breakfast) alone with a woman other than Lucretia.
• Basically I will not spend time alone with a woman other than my wife and daughter!

Am I legalistic about this?  YES!

I have friends that ask me whether or not I am handling my money responsibly.

Those are just a few of the things.  I’ve learned that the person responsible for my personal integrity is me…no one else.  And that I’ve got to realize where my greatest temptations are and then plan accordingly to not place myself in those areas.

There is TOO MUCH AT STAKE for me (and YOU) to fall!