Target on Your Back

Last week I was reminded of the target on the back of every leader. I have a pastor friend that was facing a brutal internet stoning for an innocent and humorous remark he made on Facebook.

He is a good father, and he made a joking remark about the guys he would allow to date his daughter. I've read it, and honestly I fully agree with the standard he's setting. As a man and a future father, I fully agree that we have to set standards like that for our children. Too many father's haven't, and look at where the world is.

But not everyone sees his comment as I do. I've read all of the 91 comments at the time. He's been called "judgmental" and "holier than thou" for his statement. Because of this he's been distracted from real ministry needs because of the fires that are needing to be put out.

He's a good man, a godly husband, father, and grandfather, and he's a pastor friend I constantly look to for advice, wisdom, and friendship. His statements were in no way judgmental, and in no way looking down on anyone. He in no way condemned anyone by what he said, he was simply making a statement about the type of guy he would approve to date his daughter. But in the responses of people, we see a sad truth that all entering leadership need to be aware of.

As a leader, you have a huge target on your back. There are always those who are looking and waiting for us to fall. I think of a line from the first Spider-man movie, "But the one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying." For some reason people love to see those who try to make the world a better place fail. And many of them are just sitting and waiting for us to do or say something that they can use as a weapon to help in the process.

It is crucial for all leaders to watch everything we say and do. We must guard ourselves at all times, knowing that we are constantly in the public eye. Everything we do will be analyzed, scrutinized and evaluated. That's part of leadership. It's crucial to be intentional and not careless with our words and actions. It's so easy to twist something and take it out of context, and there are so many who are ready and willing to do just that. We must constantly guard what we say and do.

My friend is a good man of God. He is sincere in his love for God and others, more sincere than many people in the Church. Satan wants to take him out because he is doing things that are making an impact for the Kingdom. And so Satan works in the hearts of people to twist what my friend has said, into something he never would have dreamed of saying, so it can be used against him. If God's leaders are distracted by all the stones being hurled at them, they will have less focus for Kingdom work, and so Satan attacks leaders the hardest.

A reminder to all leaders, be on your guard. God has called you and placed you in leadership. He has a plan and a purpose for you there, and Satan hates it, he wants to take you out. There is a target on your back, and so don't be careless.

A challenge to the rest of the world, don't be used by Satan to bring down godly leaders. There aren't enough to spare. Don't watch and wait for them to fall, and then kick them while they are down. Come along side them, support them, and protect them.

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you