8. Over -confidence :- None of the above things or even any thing else will happen to me!
Result: - So much activity, inflated, arrogance, superiority complex. Then a sudden attack- fallen- lost the ground.
Example:- Peter. Luke. 22: 31 , 33, 34, 54—62. He did not notice the warning signs. Mark. 14:32 —42. He failed to be careful even after the Lord warned him of Satan's intentions. When the Lord told him to pray he just slept.
Remember always – it's by grace and grace alone we are what we are! 1 Corin. 15: 10 ; Phil.4:13.
Enemy can attack us from any corner, using any trick. It's not necessary that he use the same for each one. Some times he will attack the very area we hold as dear. Some times he attacks the soft corner, where we don't care. No alternative but to be on guard, trusting in God's grace and power.
Some more warning signs
Apart from the warning signals that we can observe from the above examples, there are few more that we can notice as evident before a leader begins to fall. (Taken from an article by Mr. Mark Sanborn- a leadership expert)
• A shift in focus-– losing sight of the most important goal in life.
• Poor communication- people are in dark.
• Risk aversion - Fear to move forward taking reasonable risk as earlier.
• Ethics slip - Character and competency affected.
• Poor self management- Carelessness in meeting personal needs- spiritual, physical and mental etc.
• Lost love - Lack of motivation that compelled at first.
He says, “ it is foolishness ignore these warning signs”. We know it well. Neglecting any warning is costly. Notice the warning signs. It is wise to heed it. Leaders should be aware of the pitfalls and be on guard. Be humble and stay close to Christ. Live on short account with the Lord and keep ourselves fresh spiritually.
At the same time, we must sympathize with the leaders among us. Consider what they face as they stand in the frontline of the battlefield. Encourage them. Know their problems and pray for them. Deal with them little considerately. Never lead such troubled souls to a breakdown.
Conclusion: - Do not be discouraged by seeing the vulnerability. In Christ we are victors. We can be victorious if we hold on to Him. Take up the whole armor He has provided. Cf. Eph. 6:12ff. Make good use of the divine resources. Be on guard, stay close to the Lord. Claim victory in the Lord.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” Paul in 2 Corinthians. 2:14 .
NTK
