Psalms 75:6-7 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. 7 But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

Psalms 75:6-7 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. 7 But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

Many men start their leadership role with the right goals and attitudes.  They have good and just intentions. But, as time passes, their purposes blur and selfish ambition, greed, pride, rebellion, and other areas of sin begin to manifest.  Why does this happen? 

                A leader’s greatest success can be his greatest stumbling block for the future.  Rewards and praise can bring over-confidence and self-sufficiency.  Does that mean that we are never to praise or reward one another?  No!  But it does mean that we, as leaders, must be aware of the tendency to fail after experiencing success.  Too many leaders tend to separate themselves from the people we have been asked to lead.  Subordinates find it increasingly difficult to get an appointment. To affect the lives of those we lead, we must be available to them. If we are not careful, we will lose sight of our goals.  We must daily remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit living within us is the creative force behind our success.  We must choose to give God the glory for all things and continue to walk in lowliness of mind—in humility (not thinking of ourselves at all).  (Philippians 2:3-4)         Your success is from God.  You will remain successful only as long as He wills it.  Your response to success determines whether God can trust you with even greater success.  Your leadership will either earn you more responsibility or cause you to lose position.  God exalts, and God demotes.  Your response to those you lead and to your daily duties will affect future promotions.

                Matthew 23:11-12 says, The greatest among you will be your servant. [12] For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Humble yourself before God.  Strive to serve the needs of those you lead. God will promote you in due season.

Dear God, Help me to keep my focus and priorities on you and your purposes.  May the success you allow me to experience bring greater humility and recognition of the significance of who you are—the creator of all things, the all-knowing, all-present and all-powerful God of the universe.  And, help me to remember who I am—a foolish thing (1 Corinthians 1:27) and a sheep that must have a shepherd at all times (1 Peter 2:25).