Every Leader’s Battle

Everyone wants to be a leader, but few want to pay the price for great leadership.

I was young and naive when I assumed my first real leadership position. I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of my life, until I faced my first of many battles as a leader.

Twenty years later I find myself in a leadership position I never imagined would be mine. And while I’m thankful for it, I’ve come to understand some of the battles that most leaders face. They are battles well known in the pages of history books. They are battles well described in the pages of the Bible.

If I could pick any Biblical leader to emulate, I would have to choose King David. This was a guy whom everyone else had discounted. He was raising sheep in the bush when God called Him to be a King – and not just any king, but a King after God’s own heart.

Throughout his life, David never lost track of who He really was. He wrote poems and sang songs throughout His life, and from His writings we can glean 5 common battles that every leader faces:

1. Discouragement. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’m not making a difference”, you’ve likely faced the battle with discouragement. I’m struck by how many times in the Psalms David asks the question “How long O Lord, will you forget me forever?”. Here’s a guy who was hand picked by God to be king and yet time and again he found himself stuck in the pits. Many leaders find themselves spinning their wheels listening to the naysayers, questioning their actions, and wondering if anything will ever change! Don’t lose the battle against discouragement. Stop doubting yourself. Commit your ways to the Lord and your thoughts will be established!

2. Loneliness. One of the great sacrifices of a great leader is the sense of loneliness that comes with the position. “I’m in this alone” becomes the predominant feeling in your heart. David felt lonely – a lot. In Psalm 102:7 he wrote “I am like a sparrow alone on a roof”, and in Psalm 25 he tells God “turn to me for I am lonely and afflicted”. Think about it. David was surrounded by people yet felt deeply lonely, but it was in his deepest loneliness that he wrote his best songs about his best friend. Never give in to loneliness. You are never alone.

3. Pride. A proud leader says “I’m too good for this job, I’m just wasting my time here”. The battle with pride seems a bit more expected for the leader. When David thought he had finally arrived, he fell into the deepest darkest sin of his life – adultery, deceit and murder. Leader, beware of pride. It comes before the fall. The best way to keep from pride is to surround yourself with honest friends who aren’t afraid to correct you. Your leadership is a gift that God has given you and He can take it away just as quickly.

4. Fatigue. “I can’t do this anymore”. Sound familiar? Burn out is a common dragon every leader battles. When a leader is tired, he says things he shouldn’t say and does things he shouldn’t do. God gave us the sabbath to keep from burning out. Time and again in the Psalms we hear David asking God for strength and endurance. Leader, are you tired? Take time out. Rest. Renew. Refocus. And then return. Your followers will see the difference, and you’ll last a whole lot longer.

5. Temptation. Never say the words “I’m too strong to fall”. As a leader you’re on the front lines of battle, and should expect a tougher attack when it comes to temptation. It doesn’t matter what your area of weakness is, satan will kick you when you’re down and try to keep you there. Guard your heart Christian leader, and make preparation to protect yourself against the darts of the enemy. David learned the hard way that he wasn’t above falling to temptation. Learn from his example and remember that God’s mercies are new every morning, even when you’re down!

Hey leader – are you familiar with any of these battles? You’re in good company.

Be a leader that lasts. Turn your battles to the Lord. He’s already won the victory!

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