(c) Morris E. Ruddick
“I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.” Romans 12:3 Amplified
Narcissism is an excessive conceit, an extreme level of self-admiration and vain self-centeredness. Accompanied by a disdain for perspectives considered less than its own, it results from an intoxication with one’s self and point of view. Paradoxically, at its root is an unconscious inadequacy of wholesome self-esteem. Its behavior too often is drawn from the belief that the end justifies the means.
Simultaneously, true leadership walks a fine line that can bear a close resemblance to the pathway into this deceptive disorder. Leadership demands a confidence beyond the ordinary. It wields an influence that navigates past the trivial with results that make a difference. It is decisive. Genuine leadership operates beyond the boundaries of those enticed by power, prestige; those who yield to vain imaginations (Romans 1:21) and the subtle enticements of becoming “full of themselves.”
Narcissism is a deception that manifests most plainly at high levels. It involves fine-line subtleties that ensnare those genuinely called when their long-awaited promotions thrust them into seats of power.
In a time when leadership within the Body is reaching parallels to the days of Joseph the Patriarch and the prophet Daniel, the distinctions between those who serve the Lord and those who do not are becoming much more obvious. So it will be in a leader’s core modus operandi that the difference is determined between the many who are called and the few who are chosen.
From an era in which leaders in the Body have been personality-driven voices evoking followings; we are emerging into a time when history defines the leaders, known by His Name, by the impact of their influence, by the change they produce. They will bear the brand mark of the influence they wield on people of influence; through which there will be shifts in the roles of communities, segments of society, corporations and nations from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light.
Leadership Snares
Among the snares that pervert otherwise strong leadership qualities of modern-day Josephs and Daniels are the fine-line enticements of being overly opinionated; self-righteous, critical, performance-oriented, manipulative and selfishly ambitious.
Opinionated. There is nothing wrong with strong opinions if generated by wisdom. Where being opinionated becomes a snare is when tolerance and respect are lost. Wisdom seeks common ground and persuades. Both Joseph and Daniel retained their identities in God in the midst of occult surroundings. By their wise patience and faithful stewardship, they exerted an influence in some most unlikely circumstances that strategically served the long-term purposes for God’s people.
Self-Righteous. The operative word in this snare is self. It is an assumed righteousness based on a misguided perception of one’s own accomplishments, rather than the result of depending on God. Self-righteousness is not only a perversion of intended good, but a blindness. Taken to extreme, it manifests a perception of perfectionism.
Critical. People gifted with strong, analytical minds need to consciously be evaluating the impact of their tendencies to rectify and make things right. The fine line becoming a snare is when the need to correct has a purpose other than to bring healing or help. A critical spirit can often be an analytical gift that’s lost its bearings. Even when being advised of his death sentence, Daniel did not point the finger or find fault, which certainly would have been a most natural response, but rather he sought God for the solution that spilled over to benefit all facing this dilemma.
Performance-Orientated. The fine line snare is when attempting to do the right thing is done for the wrong reason: the approval of men. When operating, it misguides by misplacing reality and God’s wisdom with the perception of those it seeks to impress. King Saul lost sight of his calling and with that his kingdom, when his need to heed the word of his people overshadowed that of God’s (1 Sam 15:24).
Manipulative. True leadership equips, enables and mobilizes others rather than lording it over them. Jesus outlined this kingdom dynamic when He said that Gentile rulers lord over their subjects and wield their authority for their own benefit. His example was a leadership driven by love, humility and service. (Luke 22:25)
Selfishly Ambitious. The one not concerned with who gets the credit holds the potential to be great. It’s the basis of servant leadership. Giving focus to setting one’s own nest on high (Habakkuk 2:9) is a snare that will undermine even the best of intentions. Promotion comes from neither the east nor the west, but from the Lord.
In short, fine-line leadership snares induce narrow-mindedness, that brings myopic, short-sighted results that undermine the long-term purposes of God. Those most susceptible are ones who, as described by the opening scripture have “assumed an exaggerated opinion of their own importance;” whose attitudes are described by the folk wisdom of getting too big for their britches.
Antidotes to Snares
For the elect on the path to be the chosen, the narrow path offers a firm foundation for those who understand their boundaries; whose hearts reject the pride of life, the love of the world and the lusts of the flesh; whose ongoing interactions with the Lord recognizes the ongoing need for repentance; and who continually immerse themselves in His Word.
Defining the Boundaries. Each of us has been equipped and gifted within a specific “sphere” for the purposes for which we individually are called. Accurately defining these boundaries and avoiding presumption is imperative to maintaining the course. Within the parameters of these boundaries is great authority and potential. Outside these boundaries, not only is the potential for multiplied presumption and misfires, but regardless of the good intentions it represents an area beyond the safety net tied to being in God’s will.
“We will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us.” 2 Corinthians 10:13
Humility. While one level of humility is the absence of arrogance or pride; in God it is the recognition of our complete reliance on Him for not only what we do, but for who we are. Humility is that level of unwavering faith that recognizes that others can do little to override God’s purposes in our calling; only we can. In this regard, safety is found in humility. It is the pathway to holiness, leading into the fullness of His calling on our lives; of not being subject to the snares of the soul. The translation of the opening scripture from The Message punctuates the foundation for humility.
“It’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.” Romans 12:3 The Message
Repentance. Full repentance clears the decks of spiritual trivia, bondages, snares, judgment and curses. It is the means to bring every thought and attitude captive to the obedience of Christ; to realign our spirits with God’s heart. Serious repentance, together with communion, activates the spiritual default button and opens the way when the passage has become bogged down. It is the poise of the soul of the mature.
Word Immersion. God’s word is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NASU). Deuteronomy 17 outlines the requirement for kings to daily immerse themselves in God’s word in order to prevent them from becoming proud, assuring that they treat their subjects with dignity and fairness and to avert them from turning away from God’s word in the smallest way. Below is the link for a 9 chapter a day Word immersion program from my latest book, “Something More.” It is for the mature. When put into practice it will begin to address each of the above purposes that Deuteronomy 17 outlines for kings.
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/pages/publications/documents/DailyBiblePlan-Mature.pdf
The Threshold
Embracing the heart that unlocks Kingdom dominion must first ensure it avoids the type of positional deceptions, elitism and heart that perverts the authority it wields: “Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when glutted with food; an unloved (hateful) woman when she gets a husband and a maid when she succeeds her mistress.” Proverbs 30: 21-23
Within today’s marketplace movement is an unspoken assumption that those bearing high-calling mantles to shift dominion will come from the ranks of the achievers; with their spiritual support from a band of intercessors and spiritual advisors dedicated to their cause. Regardless of the numbers, the spiritual support of the elect will never exceed that which flows from the heart of the one called. A similar notion masking the narrow path comes from reckless prophetic support for icons, who otherwise don’t reflect the spiritual maturity of the calling they espouse.
The road toward narcissism is wide, alluring and seductive. Maintaining the course of the Kingdom pathway will involve recognizing and bypassing the fine-line snares to where evil has no root. It is the prime distinction of God’s chosen from that of being like everyone else.
“Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and many are those who go in by it.” Matthew 7: 13
The alignment with God’s presence and heart doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that carries a cost. It follows the pathway Jesus described as narrow and difficult. Each level of this path is filled with snares of both soul and spirit. Yet, in the face of systematic adversity, it is the very passage into a level of maturity that pierces and then enters within the veil.
“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk they have secretly set a snare for me.” Psalm 142:3
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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” and “Something More,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God’s blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.
Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God’s light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000.
2011 Copyright Morris Ruddick – response@strategic-initiatives.org
Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org
Diligence
by Keith Cameron Smith, speaker at FEB 2010 – KEYS Summit: Denver
Distinction 10 in The Top 10 Distinctions between Dream Fulfillers and Dream Killers is… Dream Fulfillers are finishers, dream killer are starters. In order to become a finisher you must stay focused and take consistent action toward your dream. One of the things that steal our focus is distractions.
Two of the simplest ways to handle distractions is by learning to say no to things that are not in alignment with your dream and consistently say yes to the things that are. What about the distractions that you can’t say no to. You know, those things that must be given some attention. You must handle them as quickly as possible. If you allow distractions to build up on you it will lead to disappointments. Distractions and disappointments delay dreams. If you don’t learn to handle distractions and deal with disappointments you will become discouraged.
It our responsibility to keep ourselves encouraged to keep thinking, talking and taking action in the direction of our dreams. If you don’t learn to keep yourself encouraged you will battle depression. If you find yourself depressed you must make a conscious choice to get restarted towards your dream. Restarting is the difference between goal setters and goal achievers. We all get distracted and have disappointments and some get discouraged and battle depression often. All of these are just temporary stops for a dream fulfiller. Dream fulfillers start, stop and get restarted hundreds and even thousands of times before they see their dream fulfilled.
I just gave you four negative D words and now I’m going to give you a positive one that can diminish and even eliminate some of the negative ones. The word is… Diligence. Diligence is the ability to stay focused and keep taking action. If you practice being diligent you can pretty much kiss discouragement and depression goodbye. Distractions and disappointments will continue to occur but they will occur less if you’ll be diligent. Stay focused and keep taking action on your dream!
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Keith Cameron Smith is a best selling author and inspirational speaker. In 2005 he self published, The Top 10 Distinctions between Millionaires and the Middle Class. Within months the word of mouth phenomenon started happening and now Random House, the largest publisher in the world, has purchased the world wide rights and the book is selling in countries around the world.
© Morris E. Ruddick
“Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4: 24-25
After teaching the multitudes, Jesus took His disciples aside to instruct them on the Kingdom. Having already been challenged on His lack of adherence to the traditions of men, He cautioned His disciples on what they hear.
World-views and mind-sets are both the gateways and the limitations to our thinking. The boundaries of our thinking determine the extent to what we do in making a difference. It all pivots on the hearing and discerning between pertinent revelation and what can be distorted or premature glimpses of reality.
Jesus’ admonition is even more pertinent today, a time of not only information overload, but of information distortion. More than any other time in history, we need to take heed what we hear.
Inferential Leaps
Inferential leaps are a means of thinking that have a key bearing on decision-making and innovation. Inferential leaps enable conclusions, based not on the next logical proposition, but rather on an association or other means of inference. Inferential leaps provide us the ability to break the mold by leaping beyond the constraints of the obvious.
Spiritually, the result of inferential leaps depends on whether spiritual input is distorted or truth. Distortion always includes an element of truth. However, the balance between soul and spirit is marred by the traditions of men, short-sided revelation and soul-dominant hearing.
It is often a fine line whereby the leap misses the reality to which it seeks to connect. Within the prophetic, the “miss” will be due to the subtle difference between fact and feeling; confidence and cockiness; humility and upmanship, imparting life and put-downs; honesty and coarseness; extending righteousness and the need to be right. The right side of the fine line is distinguished by the maturity that only comes by means of the Kingdom path.
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the cleverness of the clever.” 1 Cor 1:19
Before us lies the fulfillment of the words Paul wrote the Ephesians of coming into maturity and the full knowledge of the Lord. Those who rule their own spirits are mightier than those who can take a city (Prov 16:32). Through the coming of His Kingdom, His will is going to be done. God’s Kingdom will be seen by the world through community, as the world sees a people demonstrating His reality and truth. Community as designed by God operates with trust as its foundation.
So Jesus imparted the significance of taking heed what we hear before acting, since it will be as we give it out that it will be measured back to us. For those who grasp His Kingdom and demonstrate its reality, more will be given. It’s the measure of His Kingdom. Reality, trust and increase are interwoven. However, those who heed the whispers of men and are diverted into the wide path will have even what they have taken away.
The best intentions, based on wrong input, will yield results ranging from questionable consequence to the opposite of the intention. Inferential leaps either close the gap leading into the Kingdom path or they shut the door to it. It pivots on what we hear.
“We do not want you to become slack, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Heb 6:12
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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace. He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” and “Something More,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God’s blessings. They are available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.
Mr. Ruddick is also the founder of the Global Equippers Entrepreneurial Program, which imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God’s light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. To schedule a speaking engagement, sponsor a workshop, make a donation or to get more information on how you can help, contact Global Initiatives at 303.741.9000.
To view recent SIGN articles, you can visit: http://www.strategicintercession.org/recentposts.ht
To purchase one of Morris’ books please visit: http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/pages/products.htm
2010 Copyright Morris Ruddick – response@strategic-initiatives.org
Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org
The problem with the war on terror is that we are having a difficult time locating our enemy and locating the battlefield.
We have the overwhelming power to destroy our enemy, but if we can’t locate these two key areas we will never be free.
This is why we are spending so much time and resources on intelligence.
Intelligence is the key to winning the war. If we get the right intelligence, we can win. If not we are still vulnerable.
All truth is parallel.
The same is true in spiritual warfare. The key is spiritual intelligence. If we can locate our enemy and the battlefield, we have the overwhelming firepower to easily defeat our enemy.
Satan is terrified of you discovering these two keys to warfare. That is exactly what you are discovering now. By revelation we have discovered one of Satan’s best-kept secrets: insecurity and inferiority. We have located our deeply hidden enemy. Now that we have located our enemy, we are halfway to victory.
The second key is to locate the battlefield. This is revealed to us in 2 Corinthians:
- (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds); Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. -2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The battlefield is in our minds. Despite all of the work of the enemy in the atmosphere, if he has no access to our minds, we will have total victory. If we can win in the battle of the mind, we can win the battle of life.
Satan sets up strongholds in our thought life. It is the same strategy that he used on Eve in the garden. He didn’t have the power to take her captive. He had to convince her to willingly surrender herself to his control and influence. He had to cause her to want to follow him. He had to plant seeds into her mind that she would act on – thoughts that were lies.
She had to become deceived.
If he could only convince her of his lie, then he could lead her into a path of destruction and bondage through disobedience. He needed to establish a stronghold in her mind …
{end excerpt}
“Oh, you’re hardly alone,” Olson said. “Your story fits a pattern so common I have a name for it: the Joseph Calling. Os, you’re not a failure. God has placed a Joseph Calling on your life.”
{end excerpt}
Excerpt pages 38 & 39, Steve Foss, Satan’s Dirty Little Secret
If we are looking to money as our answer, we have fallen into the trap of the tree. We have believed the lie that God is not sufficient, that He alone cannot sustain us:
–Philippians 4:12-13
Paul had come to the true understanding that God was his source, not wealth. So if he had it, he was content. If he didn’t he was content, for he knew God would supply all his needs.
God is our source; money is our servant. The battle of the deception of false security and value from wealth is why Jesus said:
–Matthew 19:24
Jesus never had a problem with somebody having wealth. He simply understood how easy it was to feed any insecurity and inferiority with wealth. Jesus knew the trap and that for many the deception of false security and value from wealth would keep them both from being able to look to God as their source.
This is why the rich young ruler went away sad. His trust was in wealth, not God. Jesus gave him an opportunity to be delivered, but instead he walked away from Christ and embraced his riches. (See Matthew 19:22.)
It wasn’t that Jesus glorifies being poor, for He often spoke of the promise of abundance and blessings for those who would fully obey God. He was dealing with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in this rich man’s life.
I believe one of the reasons that God at times speaks to us to give a sacrificial offering, is to keep Him as the source and not our checking account.
Ask God to search your heart. Ask Him to expose the secret trust you have in money and wealth. Break the stronghold of the tree over your life that exists through wealth and money.
{end excerpt}
Greetings All,
This is the first attempt at getting an interactive forum up and online for the Kingdom Business Alliance located in the Greater Denver Metro area. If you’d like to take a crack at putting up content – just give it a whirl. A forum is only as good as the members and their willingness to participate.
Best Regards,
Kingdom Business Alliance
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