5. Professionalism. Ezek.34: 3. Israel 's shepherds became useless. They do not care or feed the sheep. They feed themselves. Same thing happens even today.
Isaiah 29:13:- “…these people draw near with their mouths and honour Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me. And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.”
Ministry becomes a habit - a routine. Works as a profession. A name's sake ministry. –to fulfill duty, to fill the gap, pass time etc. Of course, started with much concern for the Lord and His people but in the course of time lost that passion.
Result: - Interest, enthusiasm, and warmth gone. –Cold, chilled-no compassion / heart for the people. Heart hardened to human need & sufferings.
Example : - Jonah. 4:11 – Just wants fulfill his duty, no concern or mercy for the people. On the contrary he was angry at God's mercy.
Maintain spiritual energy. Re-charge battery! Need such conferences, if no other personal efforts taken. Good to hear occasionally to some Godly men to be refreshed and re-energized.
6. Laziness. 2Tim : 4:2. Lack of zeal. Readiness gone. Product of professionalism. Some times perfectionism also ends up in laziness! - Procrastination of various duties to do at a better time in the best manner. But never takes place! ‘If I do I will not do like this'. But he will never do!
Result : - Powerful idea - may be much publicity / talk too, but nothing will materialize! Affects other areas as well, like dress style. Cf. Pro. 18:9 -brother of great destroyer. James 4:17 – It's sin too, because we are not doing something that we know as a good thing to do.
Example: - Men of seven tribes in possessing their land. Joshua 18:3.
‘kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab!
‘pal mem parlay hogi, bahuri karega kab' Kabir .
‘ Do tomorrow's work today, today's now.' It is the enemy who whispers ‘do later'. Be ready, not lazy. Romans.12:11; (1 Peter 3:15; 2Tim.2: 15). Good practice to be careful in every small things in life, like study room, table etc.
7. Family problems . 1 Tim.3: 4, 5. If the enemy can not defeat us anywhere else, enemy also targets the allies – dear ones in our warfare. He will do everything possible to attack the family- at least some of the family members, in one way or other. Sad many leaders' family in trouble-they suffer.
Result:- . No proper care for the family etc. No time to be with them, discipline them. Visiting others-who will visit them! Friction in family, rebellious children etc.
Example: - Family of Eli, Samuel etc.
Neglecting family – unfortunate -the best proof our effectiveness is the condition of our family. It is there we can / should be more influential. ‘Leadership is influence', if I can not influence my family with whom I stay, I am an utter failure in my ministry or leadership.
We can keep on adding to the list! But need to consider one more particularly:-
8. Over -confidence
