"That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that showeth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or showeth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?" 1 Samuel 22:8

When things don't turn out the way you want them to, do you have a habit of blaming others? I meet Christian leaders all the time who are angry at their people because they feel they aren't supported in their efforts to build their ministry. While it is understandable to be disappointed when the ministry is not prosperous, in most cases it is wrong to blame others for the failure. More often than not, the main problem is a leadership problem.

When you find yourself thinking people are conspiring against you, and you wonder why no one feels sorry for you, you are one step away from losing your ministry. Yes, there are times in every leader's life when people do try to conspire against them, and at times you may be mistreated. But again, this too is a leadership problem.

The Bible is full of stories that illustrate the causative source of this type of problem. Our scripture text is one such story. Saul failed to exercise a Godly form of leadership. He became a tyrant, concerned more with his image than with accomplishment. He wanted all the credit and was jealous of those who were more talented than he (1 Samuel 18:9). When he sinned and Samuel told him that God had rent the kingdom from him, his main concern was how it would make him look.

"Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God." 1 Samuel 15:30

Saul's philosophy of leadership was demanding, intimidating, and focused on what people could do for him. He had the best help available (1 Sam 14:52). At one time David was his captain of the host. Samuel the prophet was available to get the will of God first hand. He was surrounded by valiant, mighty warriors. Yet, we find him pouting and blaming others for his own limitations.

When you begin to feel yourself sliding into Saul's frame of mind, you most likely need to ask for help. Sometimes our problems are too close for us to see them. Most people can't see their nose without a mirror. In the ministry, the mirror may very well be another leader who has studied the Bible very carefully and is well versed in Godly leadership principles. No matter how gifted or trusted the people whom you lead are, you may need someone from outside your ministry to take a look at your ministry and your style of leadership. They are not constrained by fear or afraid of telling the king he has no clothes on. Get help and allow them to help you make a few corrections.

It has been said that leadership is the lid to your ministry. I know many pastors who are great preachers and are doing the best they can to faithfully lead their people to accomplish great things, but for some reason, their ministries seem to have a glass ceiling that they just can't break through. The problem is not Godliness. The problem is not worldliness. The problem is leadership.

Leadership is not an innate quality that you are born with. It is a learned skill. Anyone who is willing to be trained can become a good leader. Yes, it does take work, but more importantly, it takes courage. You must have the courage to face your limitations and get help in areas of weakness. Furthermore, you probably have strengths you aren't even aware of and that need to be developed so that you can truly live up to your full potential. You know that there are things that need to be changed. You must be open to knowing that you can learn how to harness your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. You can learn things that will bring the results you want.

Someone once said, "It is what you learn after you know it all that matters." Don't let fear or insecurity prevent you from allowing the Lord to send you someone to help. Remember, there is safety in a multitude of counselors.

All who have ever built something lasting for God have done so with the help of a lot of talented people. We are not intended to go it alone. Why not resolve right now to make yourself vulnerable and get help. I know it sounds corny, but it is true: Get Help or Get Hurt!

Jeff Wade, DBS
BibleLeader.com