LeadTip #30 Opposition

They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. Luke 4:29

Can you imagine people wanting to throw the most perfect and loving man to ever live off a cliff for speaking truth and presenting His mission? Jesus had great opposition at every turn.

Leadership requires a certainty of vision, mission and purpose. It requires a thick skin to be able to handle criticism, withstand and deal with opposition, overcome offense, and to stay on course through it all.

Leadership, especially Christian leadership, is not easy. It requires conviction, wisdom, and a deep relationship with the LORD to get you through times when you feel alone.

Good leaders are open to advice, opinion, counsel and correction. But opposition is different. Opposition comes from powers of darkness, from spirits of pride, arrogance and jealousy. It also comes from outright disdain for authority.

So how do you deal with opposition?

✓ Pray and ask God for discernment as to the source of the opposition.

For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Christians have an enemy. The devil is real and he hates God and any one doing His will. There are spiritual powers trying to stop the plans of God from coming to fruition. But the power of the Holy Spirit is greater than any darkness, and Biblical truth delivers us from lies and deception.

Christian leaders pray first, and seek counsel from the Word of God and godly advisors. Spiritual leaders discern spiritual opposition.

✓ Do not react emotionally with anger and hostility towards those who oppose you.

Ignore ignorance and push through resistance. This will make you stronger! Opposition may just be a test of character and an opportunity to refine convictions, beliefs and plans. Do not fight pride with pride! Stay humble and trust God to back you as His leader.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Matthew 5:38-40

✓ Try to understand different views and perspective.

Always be open to receive constructive criticism. But respond to destructive criticism assertively, kindly and with a clear rejection of untruths and hurtful words.

There is a difference between positive input from people who want to help, verses an outright attack against a mission or a leader directly. Discern the spirit behind words spoken.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20

✓ Surround yourself with pure hearted, humble, smart, positive, and honest people with unity of vision and purpose.

There will be people God puts into your life to help you. They may even be there to bring light to blind spots you may have. These people are a blessing and should be respected, cherished and even sought after.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

✓ Avoid taking direction and input from people who have not proven themselves worthy of having influence in your life.

The enemy is a deceiver and will try to influence leaders by appealing to the carnal nature and desires of the flesh.

Be careful to examine the fruit of those you allow to influence you. Advisors should have a tract record of godly success, wisdom and purity of heart to give you input and guidance?

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

Seek not counsel from the ungodly. Psalm 1:1

✓ It is easier to spot the ungodly than to spot a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Many a Christian have fallen prey to pride of the weakness of the flesh. The devil will use cunning and sweet words to pull you off course. He will entice ego, insecurities and a desire to be accepted and liked. Do not fall for it!

God is close to the humble and resists the prideful. Stay the course, resist temptation, and stay the course with those He has placed in your life for your benefit. You will experience great success and advancement as you pass the tests of God and overcome the challenges of the enemy!