Well, I have come to experience more and more in life these people I will call "Spiritual Bullies." These are essentially people who use their authority as spiritual leaders to abuse others. Sometimes for their own pride, but mostly for their own benefit. It really astonishes me to see the level of self-deceit that takes place and what is most fascinating to me is how did they get to the point that they could convince themselves that what they are doing is right? I mean if you are to be God's representative shouldn't you be holding yourself to a higher standard? Regardless of what the Bible says, which does say you should be held to a higher standard as a leader. It also says you should be fearful of how you treat your sheep because you will be judged at a greater level as a leader. Yet, time and time again I keep seeing these people who are in the highest level of leadership hold no regard for the people they are called to be unified with and love. I am dumbfounded at how they can not have an issue with themselves much less the people who are to hold them accountable looking a blind eye to it all? I think it is really twisted at best, you get into ministry to love others as God has loved you. You think you are different or special or know more because of your position? That is exactly what the Pharisees did!
Too often people who rise to the head position, no matter what the size of the organization, will take their authority and abuse it. I experienced it first hand and expected the leadership around this to stand up to it and still it has been three years and eight staff and several elders have left with no-one questioning why this is happening? Seriously? I think the key reason why this happens and continues to exist is the lack of accountability. More frequently than not leadership assumes the best all the while the worst is happening right under their nose. The reason why there is so much moral failure is not because of weak people as much as weak accountability. They keep pushing the limits till it catches up with them, absolute power corrupts absolutely! The leader who has strong accountability around him sets himself up for more than success. He sets himself up for true Biblical stewardship of what God has set before him. I think the thing I hate the most about it is the division it causes in the body of Christ. We are supposed to be united against an enemy and while as it is said in Philippians 1:15 I celebrate others success in leading people to a relationship with God, it does not mean I agree and stand in solidarity with what I know is wrong. It is a real shame cause through the years it has cost me some dear relationships I miss incredibly.
I know that I am not always right and if this has taught me one thing, it is never hesitating to apologize and forgive. I too have made this mistake and deceived myself in believing I was on top so, therefore, I was right. Fortunately, God removed the scales from my eyes and showed me that being right has a place and sometimes that is not at the expense of our soul. When it came time for me to mend my bridges I would have thought it hard for me to swallow the pride I have been choking on for so long. Suffice it to say it was not hard it actually came very easy and was like a huge burden had been lifted off my back. In all honesty, I know being a leader is not easy and the respect I have for fellow leaders is massive. I also know that making the right choices is not that hard, living with a life of regret is!
