If you are a pastor, a husband, a business executive, a small group leader or a project manager – you are a leader. Whatever your title is – if you lead, it is imperative that you lead in the right spirit.

We are all affected, one way or the other, by the culture we live in. And to make matters worse, we all have a fallen nature that affects our different leadership styles.

But no matter what our culture dictates or what our fallen nature tries to impose on our leadership style, there is always a better way to lead. That way is the way is in Christ Jesus, by the Holy Spirit and through the wisdom that comes from His word.

Here is a list of pitfalls to avoid at all cost as a leader. They don’t only hinder your ability to lead well, they hinder your team, family or organization from functioning or performing at the highest levels.

Jealous Spirit
1 Samuel 18:8-9 ESV

And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousand, and to me, they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on.

A Comparing Spirit
2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

An Arrogant Spirit
Romans 12:16 ESV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

A Mischievous Spirit
Proverbs 26:27; Psalm 7:15, 16 ESV

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.

A Spirit of Selfish Ambition
Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.

A Spirit Strife
James 4:1-2 ESV

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

A Spirit of Entitlement
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now, such persons, we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

A Spirit of Dictatorship
1 Peter 5:3 ESV

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

A spirit of insecurity
Proverbs 29:25 ESV

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

A Spirit of competition
Mark 9:35 ESV

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Every leader has the ability to lead well. In light of these points in the post,  lay your heart before Him, and examine yourself to see If there is any wicked way in you. Then commit, even in baby steps, to excellence.and integrity in your leadership.