A leader’s greatest enemy is something very close to him. It has the power to make him great and the power to tear him down. It will offer inspiration or create desperation!

A leader’s greatest enemy is his own MIND!

The mind of a leader is a powerful tool. With it he can dream, invent, inspire, make decisions and store knowledge. It also has the ability to drive him insane. When a leader does not practice self-control and discipline with his own mind, it has the potential to destroy him.

The greatest danger in the mind of any leader is INSECURITY.

A leader who is not confident in his role, his ability and ultimately his God-given calling will fall prey to insecurity. He can begin to feel threatened by the success of others. He begins to worry about whether he is capable or needed …

In truth, insecurity is the result of pride! Pride will certainly destroy a leader, and pride begins in the mind of every leader … Pride gives way to insecurity and ultimately causes a leader to fall.

Pride comes before the fall. —Proverbs 16:18

We need to be realistic about our abilities and our calling. We need to be satisfied with where God has called us, and what He has blessed us with. Most leaders fall prey to pride and insecurity when they experience the success of others. They stand envious and critical of the success of others.

Instead, we should celebrate a movement of God, the success of others … even when that success does not include us. We need to be grateful for the opportunities and success that God has given to us, no matter how big or small!

We need to examine our lives, our hearts and our minds … We need to be aware and grateful for who God has created us to be … Then we will not suffer the captivity of our minds!

Consider Paul’s words in Galatians:

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. —Galatians 6:4-5