How Pride Can Ruin Christian Male Leadership

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
– Proverbs 11:2 [ESV]

Pride is a powerful and insidious force that can undermine the effectiveness of Christian male leadership in a variety of ways. At its core, pride is all about self-aggrandizement, seeking to elevate oneself above others and to place one’s own interests and desires above the needs and well-being of others. When pride is allowed to take root in the hearts and minds of Christian male leaders, it can have far-reaching and damaging consequences.

One of the primary ways that pride can ruin Christian men’s leadership is by eroding the leader’s sense of humility. Jesus-following leaders are called to be servants, to put the needs of others before their own, and to lead by example. But when pride takes hold, a leader is more likely to act in ways that are self-centered, prioritize his own interests, and seek to promote himself above others. This can lead to decisions that are not in the best interests of those being led and can undermine the leader’s credibility and effectiveness.

Another way that pride can ruin male leadership is by causing leaders to become isolated and disconnected from those they lead. When leaders are consumed by pride, they are less likely to be accessible and approachable, less likely to listen to feedback, and less likely to engage with others in meaningful ways. This can lead to a breakdown in communication, a lack of trust, and a feeling of disconnection between the leader and those he leads.

Finally, pride can also ruin Christian male leadership by causing leaders to become resistant to accountability. Leaders who are consumed by pride are often unwilling to admit their mistakes, take responsibility for their actions, or seek feedback from others. This can create a culture of entitlement, where leaders feel that they are above reproach, and where criticism is seen as an attack on their authority and credibility.

To avoid the damaging effects of pride in men’s leadership, it is essential that leaders cultivate a sense of humility and a commitment to serving others. This requires leaders to be intentional in their self-reflection, to seek feedback from others, and to engage in practices such as prayer, meditation, and scripture study that can help them maintain a humble and servant-hearted perspective.

In conclusion, pride is a major challenge for Christian male leaders, and it is essential that leaders take steps to guard against its insidious effects. By cultivating humility, maintaining openness to feedback, and seeking to serve others, Christian male leaders can avoid the damaging effects of pride and lead in ways that are aligned with the teachings of Jesus and that are in the best interests of those they serve.