Issue 1.5

Although originally written to the kings of Israel, Deuteronomy 17 outlines six "safeguards" that can enable us to be strong, effective leaders for God's people today.

"The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the LORD has told you, 'You are not to go back that way again.' He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

"When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel." Deuteronomy 17:16-20 (NIV)

Safeguard #1

CANCEL YOUR BACKUP PLANS AND TRUST THE LORD. Israel was often tempted to return to Egypt. Even though it was their place of bondage and agony, they found "security" in thinking that if God didn't come through, they could always go back. As those with the calling of God on our lives, we must be willing to fully trust in the Lord, and refuse to lean on our own understanding.

Safeguard #2

GUARD YOUR HEART. How easy it is for Christian leaders to become emotionally involved in the lives of other women -- secretaries, counselees, prayer intercessors -- all good people with the best of intentions, but these can become stumbling blocks and even cause a major fall in your ministry. Be a tenacious defender of your heart, purity, and focus.

Safeguard #3

RESIST THE ALLURE OF EARTHLY RICHES. It is easy to get caught up in wealth. In and of itself, wealth may a good thing, but for the man of God, it can also become a great hindrance to ministry. Many ministers have fallen, or at least lost their reputation, because of wrong attitudes toward money or possessions.

Safeguard #4

PERSONALLY STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, DAILY. Those called to preach the Word of God must also be students of that Word -- not merely during the preparation of messages, but personally. Servants of God need to develop a spiritual growth plan, with a heavy emphasis on the Scriptures, to keep themselves intimately connected to their Master.

Safeguard #5

DON'T BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE SPECIAL. Some are called to the vocation of full-time ministry, others are called to secular work. There is nothing mystical about being a pastor. No one man is more important than another. Pastors often get treated as royalty, but don't believe it. You are just as vulnerable, needy, and dependent upon the Lord as anyone else. Never allow pride to cast its ugly shadow in your ministry.

Safeguard #6

NEVER COMPROMISE WITH SIN, EVER. We must never turn from the law, to the right or the left. Usually ministers don't fall in one day -- it begins with a few secret compromises that slowly pollute the heart and finally mushroom into public sins. Don't trade the call of God for a few fleeting moments of sinful pleasure.

Finishing the job the Lord has given us to do will not be easy, but it is essential. Tough choices and much discipline are required of those who would lead God's people, but there is also great potential, and reward, for those who take His call seriously.

By Daniel W. Jarvis, PastorConnect Coordinator (Life Action, 2003)

Feel free to reproduce or adapt this article for your own use, and to forward to other church leaders in your circle of influence.

Making It Personal:

Get alone and quiet for a few moments, and ask the Lord:

Do I fully trust in You and Your plan for my life, or am I relying on an "Egypt?"
What steps of action would You like me to take to guard my heart and my purity?
Am I content with my financial status as a minister for You? Do I have an eternal perspective?
Do I study your Word personally? Do I know You better than I did a year ago?
Do I have any pride in my heart? How can I get rid of it?
Lord, have made even slight compromises with sin? What should I do to prevent those?

Devotional Reflections:

2 Peter 1:3-11

(Access the Bible Online)