Your Own Worst Enemy

I was frustrated and it was showing.  I told my high school leaders that I needed them to step up.  After months of trying nothing was happening and this was my plead for help.  Finally, one of them said to me, “Chris, we do want to help you, it’s just that you won’t let go of control.”  In other words I was my own worst enemy.  I had given them instruction on a task and then doing it myself before they even had a chance to do it themselves.  That’s when I realized that I was the problem.

Courtesy of andrechinn/Creative Commons License

It’s easy to blame others when the job does not get down.  In reality pointing out other people’s flaws is easier because you do not have change.  While people can be the problem, sometimes you need to pause and look in the mirror.  The reason your ministry could be suffering is not because of others, but you.  You could be your own worst enemy in ministry if you are not checking your:

• Fear: Maybe you fear how parents will react when you tell them, “No.” Maybe you are afraid whether teens will leave because you cancelled the lock-in.  In order for your ministry to grow you need to make bold moves.  Bold moves require tension and conflict.  Instead of fearing the push back, trust that God will lead you through.

• Apathy: Once the disappointment increases and the passion decreases you need to ask yourself the question, “Am I in the right place?”  When ministry becomes a job, it might be time to look at moving on.  An apathetic leader is someone who is just going through the motions to get by.  Make sure you find someone to discern your calling each year to determine whether you are going through a difficult season or it’s time to move on.
  

• Laziness: It’s easy to think youth ministry is a joke job.  After all the world is telling you it’s just about pizza, laser tag and lock-ins.  If you do not take ministry seriously again you could be in the wrong field.  It takes commitment, and persistence.  To combat laziness you need to embrace a few disciplines and really look at your calling.

• Pride: Pride can be the enemy that not only takes down the ministry but leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth.  Pride means controlling everything, never listening to others and focusing on what benefits you.  To avoid pride you need people around you, that can call you out.  Allow people to speak to you, and help you focus on God.

You can be your own worst enemy and that can be the hardest pitfall to identify.  Surround yourself with accountability, find time to reflect and always be open to feedback. If you can address your shortcomings and get ahead of the curve you can defeat your own worst enemy.

How else are you your own worst enemy?