Five Temptations Leaders Are Facing

With a global pandemic bringing new challenges, leaders are faced with a whole new set of temptations. Here are 5 temptations leaders should be aware of and how they should consider combating those temptations with truth:

1. Impostor Syndrome - Impostor syndrome is the temptation to feel inadequate even when experience or qualification should deem you sufficient. Many leaders are finding themselves doubting that they have what it takes to lead through all of the new problems that are arising. However, God has given us everything we need for living lives of godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We need only trust in his power, not our own.

2. Hidden Sin - Isolation and high stress has caused many to relapse into old addictions and bad habits. We need to remember that being a leader doesn't mean that we will not struggle. However, we also need to remember that it will be in confession, vulnerability, and accountability that we will find freedom (James 5:16). If you are struggling with hidden sin, you are not beyond God's grace. As scary as it may be, you need to confess that to your family, trusted friends, and fellow leaders.

3. Cold Hearts - The increased frequency of tragedy or failure can result in the temptation to despair, give up, or grow cynical. However, God's people are called to push past a cold, angry cynicism and lead lives of hope and trust. If you find your heart growing cold, open your eyes to the good that is inevitably happening in the church around you, even if it is not immediately apparent. God is still at work in his people, and if any leaders should be confident of His enduring faithfulness, it should be church leaders.

4. Neglecting Home - With many leaders spending increased amounts of time at home due to quarantine or work-from-home, it can be tempting to double down on work or intentionally "buy back" time in the office. "My family has gotten a lot of me lately, so I deserve some time to myself." This can really quickly grow selfish and self-serving. You need to understand that your family deserves your primary attention and care. If you've been spending more time with them since the pandemic, consider if that is actually a good and normal thing, not necessarily a symptom of the times.

5. New Doubts - The global pandemic, political unease, volatile economy, and general craziness of the last year has many people doubting God's intention for their lives for the first time in a long time. On top of that, trust of expertise, politicians, and media is at an all time low. However, Jesus would call us to trust fully in Him. In spite of our doubt, we can rest confidently knowing that our faith remains secure.