PRIDE IS A SNARE. 1st Timothy 3:6 The devil's trap is pride. A new believer, full of enthusiasm and zeal for the Lord, who quickly advances in public service within an assembly, becomes a special target of the devil. Pride has a seductive effect that preys on emotions and fosters self-centeredness, which clouds the mind. Understanding and reason come through knowing the scriptures and gaining life experience by practicing what the Word of God teaches.
Those new in faith or inexperienced in how they respond to flattery from unwise or dishonest people tend to believe what they hear, and it can quickly “go to their head.” Testing the teachings of skilled speakers with charismatic personalities and learning to recognize the deception of flattery takes time. Comparing education with character and expectation with experience helps us determine if someone is qualified to lead God’s people. Pride and arrogance will cause a novice who is in a position he’s not qualified for to fall. Satan has brought down many, and he uses them to trap well-meaning young believers as well as older ones who are still immature in their understanding of God's word.
Anyone who leads must be humble because subtle dangers, motivated by the devil, are nearby. Premature responsibility is not what those new to faith need. Developing spiritual discernment with godly fear takes a significant amount of time, even if a young person appears very talented in some ways. A youth is told to bear the yoke, which is meaningful labor, including substantial physical work that tests a novice believer's faithfulness. As each assigned task is completed, the burden he bears clarifies his willingness to bless others.
A place of service strengthens one’s new faith and encourages a lifestyle consistent with leadership. A solid foundation in faith is accompanied by increasing grace in a new believer, and this grace fosters a humility that is both seen and felt. Knowledge of the Word of God adds depth to one’s words that cannot be achieved in any other way. Teaching and advice are given by those whom the power of God has kept steadfast in their actions. Their words are supported by the results and impact of the effort they have invested in the responsibilities entrusted to them by those leading God’s people.
Even when a group is small and it seems like no one else can meet the needs of the Lord’s people, he is there to provide spiritual leadership for the flock. It is essential to assign work to those who are new in faith that will help them grow, so they will see that leadership is much more than just talking. Satan is a master at pride; he has it, and he offers it to others as a feeling of self-interest and importance that lifts one up with pride. Make sure those who step up and take a lead among the believers in an assembly have genuine humility and reliance on God before they are called to guide.
Guidelines are necessary in every social group, whether in nations or among those who share my name. However, effective leadership isn’t about using a clenched fist that causes fear; instead, it means leading with an open hand and applying pressure as needed to keep things orderly and functioning well in everyone's best interest.
Order helps everything work together as intended by its creator, whether people or machines. When a wrench is thrown into the works, things stop, people call for help, and the obstacle is removed so order can be restored among the parts and unity is preserved. Perhaps “rule” is better understood with a different word because “managing” the family is what the head of the household needs to do. Compassionate care means the children understand what is meant when their father says, “No.” He understands from experience many things they don’t yet know.
A leader in a family—like in a church—understands the value of preventive discipline and knows how to guide family members to search the scriptures for truth that helps children live according to God's plan. These qualities are the best gifts a father can give his children, and a shepherd can provide the ones in his care. When these are recognized at home and children respect their father, family life is calm, secure, and safe for everyone. They will learn to follow his leadership within the congregation of God’s people. Church life shares similarities with family life, and the caring concern shown by leaders reassures the saints that they are loved and watched over.