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When Good Gifts Turn Bad

In my observation, some of the worst "troublemakers" in organizations of all kinds are women with frustrated leadership gifts.

Like all gifts, leadership can be used in positive or negative ways. Someone with the gift of hospitality may use it to build up the body of Christ–or to foster a clique. A gifted teacher may help others learn–or sit back and ridicule those who do teach. And women with leadership gifts can choose to embrace their gifts and the responsibility God has given them to exercise their gifts for his glory. Or they can reject their gifts, try to be someone else, and end up leading others in destructive ways.

Because they can't squelch God's gift, they can't help but lead. They lead others astray, seek (and often find) followers, lead rebellions, and champion pet causes that are at odds with the goals of the organization as a whole. They criticize and find fault with their leaders. They manipulate others into doing what they want them to do.

I've known a few women who refused to embrace their leadership gifts. One of them tried to portray herself as a passive follower but behind the scenes, relentlessly bullied church leaders into supporting her pet causes. Another smiled demurely, disarming people while manipulating them into projects they'd later regret. One constantly led others in rebellion against whatever the boss said. And one bitter soul actually said she had the "spiritual gift of criticism."

So why do women fail to embrace leadership gifts? Some are simply unaware of the gifts and calling God has given them. Some aren't encouraged or even allowed to use their leadership gifts. Others are so uncomfortable with the idea of being leaders, they simply can't accept the roles God has called them to. That's when the trouble starts.

Such women are missing the joy of using their God-given gifts, and it shows. I pray that more women will grow in their gifts, accept them, and use them wherever God has placed them.

April25, 2008 at 8:30 AM

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