John Stanko

"He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble" - Luke 1:51-52.

God brings down rulers who have proud thinking, because that thinking leads to proud decisions, which in turn manifest proud actions. And if there is one thing to which God reacts strongly and quickly, it is pride. God expects all rulers or leaders - not just church leaders - to render just and righteous decisions. Therefore, leaders must take pains and steps to insure that their decisions are not based on ego, self, insecurity or greed, but rather be rooted in humility - knowledge and admission that the leader has limitations and needs God's wisdom to succeed. Sometimes that wisdom will come through other people, which means that leaders must humble themselves and ask for help, thus following sometimes more than they lead.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to assemble your team one-by-one or together in the coming days (this can include your family). When you are with them, ask "If you were me, what is the one thing you would change about this organization?" Also ask, "What do you think is the greatest oportunity for growth and development we have as an organization?" Then listen for common themes in what you hear and make humble decisions with the input you get.