Lead with a Guarded Heart
Devotional week 22
"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me." Romans 7:21-23 (NIV)
Leadership is a high calling, but it is also a battlefield, especially for those seeking to lead in a way that honors God. It is not just about making decisions, guiding people, or getting results; it’s about doing all of that with the right heart, the right values, and in alignment with God’s ways. In Romans 7, Paul reveals a truth that’s both sobering and deeply personal: even with the desire to do good, there is a war within. This battle is not limited to moral failure—it also shows up in the subtle compromises we face every day.
A Christian student might feel pressure to exaggerate their achievements to look more impressive. A businessperson might be tempted to cut corners for profit, especially when customers or investors are watching. A professional leading a team might justify treating others harshly in the name of efficiency or results. A worker given a leadership role may struggle with taking credit to appear competent rather than lifting others.
The heart, though it wants to honor God can easily be deceived when status, influence, or money is involved. The world teaches that success is measured by numbers, applause, and material gain. But God's Kingdom operates by different principles: truth, humility, service, and love.
That’s where the tension lies.
When you're under pressure to perform, when you're praised for results but not questioned about process, or when financial gain starts clouding your judgment, Paul’s words in Romans 7 remind you to pause. There's a battle going on inside, and it's one we win not by willpower, but by surrender.
Leadership will always feel like a tug of war between what the world celebrates and what the Word commands. The key is not perfection, but a heart that stays tender enough to recognize when it’s drifting, and humble enough to return to the feet of Jesus. That’s the kind of leader God uses.
Challenge
Think about where you lead—school, work, business, ministry, or even in your home. Ask yourself: Am I still doing this God’s way? Be honest. If there’s one area where you’ve started following the world’s pattern, take a step today to turn back. Guard your heart—because how you lead matters just as much as what you lead.
Prayer
Lord, You’ve called me to lead, not by the standards of this world, but by the example of Christ. Help me to recognize the moments when my heart begins to stray. May my leadership reflect Your character more than my ambition. In Jesus’ name, amen.