Matt 2:16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. (NLT)
The above passage of scripture described for us the nature Herod was as a leader. Here is a man who is already in position of authority, but got intimidated and went into a killing spree just because of the news that another leader, a king is born.
What could lead to such intimidation?
What could be responsible for such a motivation from a man who is already seated and very much in charge?
The answers to the above questions of Herod outburst of furry, is found in one word INSECURITY.
Insecurity is the lack of confidence or your ability to do well. It is being nervous and uncomfortable.
Again, we read of the story of Saul when an evil spirit from the Lord rested upon him and what he wanted to do to David after he killed Goliath. He did not only dethrone him, he wanted to kill him. 1 Sam.18:6-13.
Verses 11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.
13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people”.
All because the women folks and people sang the praises of David for his exploit in killing Goliath.
Can you imagine what upset the king?
Jealousy and envy to the point that he dethroned David from his command position and even wanted to kill him.
Look at the decisions he has to take. What’s leading to all that? Insecurity as a leader.
He felt he has lost his position as the king to David in the eyes of people. But was that true? Not all! He can’t imagine David having all of those accolades from the people while he is there as a king.
So, then he wanted to kill to protect his position. He doesn’t want to lose his kingship to a rising star like David being Gods anointed, just as Herod never wanted to lose his kingship to the star of Jesus, the God ordained king.
Meaning, any leader who is not secure in God will be insecure in their leadership actions.
So then, if you are in leadership in any capacity, whether in the home as a father, Mother or company CEO, Pastor of a local Assembly and you do not recognize the fact that God gave or called you into that position that you are occupying. You will always act insecurely.
Have you in any way as a Pastor felt that your second best, your Assistance pastor is getting more popular than you? Then you are suffering from insecurity.
Have you come to the point where you try to find out how the people you are leading are feeling towards your assistant Pastor?
Do you all of a sudden begin to feel resentment towards your Assistant Pastor or anyone being recognized by the people because of the grace he or she carries? You are suffering from insecurity as a leader.
Have you made decisions to transfer your Assistance Pastor only because he is getting more popular amongst the people? You are suffering from insecurity.
Have you decided to cut down the allowances as a way of punishment to frustrate the Pastor so he can decide to leave and let it not look like you want him out? You have an insecurity problem.
As a Pastor have you just started running series of programs because another ministry just came to your vicinity in order to retain your members? You have insecurity problem.
How do you feel when men talk about the great works the Father is using others to do?
Do you feel intimidated? Then you have insecurity problem.
Do you feel everybody must submit to you and where that is missing you run down other ministries so you get the credit as the only Apostle around town who has the ultimate revelations? You have insecurity problems.
Do you all of a sudden start preaching to condemn others, attacking and finding fault with other people ministries even on face book, all to gain popularity?
You just turned the watchman for Christ in the name of balancing doctrines within the body and even calling names instead of preaching Christ? You have insecurity problem.
Paul said it this way…
Phil. 1: 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bond to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds”
And guess what, all those who were preaching to add more bonds to Apostle Paul were all Apostles of some sort. They were so intimidated by the ministry of Paul that once he was in prison, then the obstacles on their way to fame have been removed. Now they must run him down in their preaching, so much so that if possible, he might not have followership when he comes out of prison.
What a great and high-level of insecurity in the lives of ministers of the Gospel even till date. When you want some people’s ministries to go down because of their capacity and the grace that they carry. You are under the influence of insecurity as a minister.
To be continued