OBSTACLES TO ENDING WELL
John Ng
Many high profile public leaders have succumbed to temptations, resulting in scandals. The reports of their moral failures have saddened me and left me broken hearted. My heart goes out to their spouses and children, who have to endure shame and guilt for a long time.
If not for the grace of God, we would have suffered the same fate. I keep asking myself, ‘What will prevent me from ending well?’
1. With more Power comes Less Accountability
“Nearly all people can stand adversity, but if you want to test a person’s character, give him power.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Power has a way of deceiving us. It subtly corrupts us into thinking we can do anything we like and get away with it. With power, comes influence, which makes it easier to convince others that we can do no wrong. We readily rationalize our actions and justify our behaviors. Followers implicitly trust their leaders and willingly agree with them. The loyalty and motivations of detractors are suspect if they question their leaders’ integrity. When left unchecked, power has a way of making leaders less accountable.
2. With Increasing Success comes Less Honest Feedback
“Never let success get to your head; never let failure get to your heart.”
– Anonymous
Successful people have a tendency to over-rate themselves and their own importance. Most of us are suckers for praise and will relish our own publicity. We downplay our own mistakes. The more this happens, the less our subordinates will give honest feedback. Until they perceive we are open to candid response and are ready to make changes, they will not volunteer contrary opinions. Success has a way of blinding us to our flaws.
3. With Heavier Responsibilities comes Neglect of Good Habits
“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”
– Socrates
Increasing responsibilities make greater demands on our time. The incessant strains on our crowded schedules prevent us from keeping good habits that were cultivated when we shouldered less responsibilities. Busyness easily becomes an opiate.
Constant activities force us to respond to the urgent while deferring on important decisions. We need to be constantly reminded of the non-negotiables.
First, at least 7 hours of sleep.
Second, deeper reflection to differentiate between urgent from important matters. We become shallow when we do not pause and reflect. As someone said, ‘An unexamined life is not worth living’.
Third, we need to spend more time with God.
We easily allow the ‘urgent small pebbles’ to crowd out the ‘important big rocks’ in our lives. We need to be reminded that how we end does not depend on ambition or passion but on the habits we keep.
4. With More People to lead, Meaningful Relationships are Neglected
“If you hang out with chickens, you are going to cluck. But if you hang out with Eagles, you are going to fly.”
– Dr Steve Maraboli
Over the years, I have learned to treasure my friendships, especially my buddies who have served with me for over five decades. But the more teams and people I lead, the less time I have for them. Making time for accountable friendships has sustained and refreshed me through the years.
Neglecting meaningful relationships outside of family will isolate us and prevent us from ending well.
5. With Higher Performance comes Inattention to our Dark Side
“Everyone has a dark side. How it exposes us distinguishes us.”
– Preethi Pattabiraman
Everyone has a dark side. It has been called LFT – Leadership Failure Tendency. It could be pride, anger, past hurt, a spirit of unforgiveness or sexual impropriety. Some leaders are led to believe they should not talk about their dark side, focusing instead on their strengths and capabilities. My own experience has taught me that neglecting my LFT and refusing to deal with it will cause my downfall.
Our LFT affects our work and relationships, and cannot be compensated by our success or competence. Unattended, it will constantly haunt us, and will ultimately derail us and destroy everything that we have built.
How do we overcome the obstacles to ending well?
Instead of throwing stones at fallen leaders, we should search our desperately sinful hearts and discern wicked ways in ourselves. We need God’s mercy to sustain us to the end.
Regardless of fatigue – Finish well.
Regardless of opposition – Finish well.
Though tempted to quit – Finish well.
Complete what you started – Finish well.
You are on the home stretch – Finish well.
Do what you said you would do – Finish well.
Be a much-needed example for others – Finish well.
Remind yourself of all the reasons why you began – Finish well.
Another level of fulfillment and your next assignment await you – Finish well.
Do you know the Top 5 reasons why leaders fail? Click here to find out more.
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
We praise God for the positive responses from the viewers who watched the Eagles Easter Concert ‘R A I S E D – Sunday’s Coming’ released on April 15.
“LOVE IT! From the meaningful poetry to the divine songs and the powerfully delivered sermon and creative visuals … ! Bravo and kudos for putting together a brilliant impactful production.”
– Geok
“I have just finished watching the concert. It is beautiful how the poems are intertwined into the Gospel story, scripture readings and songs. I have forwarded the concert to my family chat group, many are non believers. ”
– Kieran
“I am deeply moved by the Easter presentation. It is a magisterial work of poetry and songs, with cinematic visuals and sound effects bringing the audience to the foot of the cross and then to the empty tomb! The voices in the solos, duets, trios and quartets were rich in harmony and sung with gusto and conviction. Thank you for this wondrous experience that has lifted up my heart and soul! All and sundry will be richly blessed by this Easter masterpiece!”
– Anthony
“Definitely worth sharing. And yes, let’s pray that more people come to the Lord.”
– Karina
The impact and transformation in the hearts and minds of the viewers are encouraging. There were 3 inquirers about the faith. The video can be viewed at www.eagles.org.sg/raised till June 5. Share the Good News!
We would like to appeal to you to consider a gift in this evangelistic effort as we look forward to God’s continuing work through this ministry. As the Lord enables, you can contribute by clicking here.
Thank you for your kind consideration and prayers.
Dr John Ng is continuing to lead Eagles Rendezvous Bible Study sessions online.
He is midway through his 7-session series in Nehemiah. Ai Suan, a regular at this series made this response:
“To serve God, Nehemiah and his workers did a tremendous job, building the temple walls, day and night, while holding a sword in close ranks with each other, to defend against their enemies. The biblical book encouraged me to actively serve God, else our spiritual life will die. To serve God, we need courage to speak and defend against opposition and our fear of failure. We need to serve God wholeheartedly so that God’s Kingdom can be built, and God’s will be fulfilled.”
Join our study on Saturdays, 4 pm at Eagles Center (view map) till May 21st, 2022.
UP NEXT
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/18MayNexTimeout
OBSTACLES TO ENDING WELL
John Ng
Many high profile public leaders have succumbed to temptations, resulting in scandals. The reports of their moral failures have saddened me and left me broken hearted. My heart goes out to their spouses and children, who have to endure shame and guilt for a long time.
If not for the grace of God, we would have suffered the same fate. I keep asking myself, ‘What will prevent me from ending well?’
1. With more Power comes Less Accountability
“Nearly all people can stand adversity, but if you want to test a person’s character, give him power.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Power has a way of deceiving us. It subtly corrupts us into thinking we can do anything we like and get away with it. With power, comes influence, which makes it easier to convince others that we can do no wrong. We readily rationalize our actions and justify our behaviors. Followers implicitly trust their leaders and willingly agree with them. The loyalty and motivations of detractors are suspect if they question their leaders’ integrity. When left unchecked, power has a way of making leaders less accountable.
2. With Increasing Success comes Less Honest Feedback
“Never let success get to your head; never let failure get to your heart.”
– Anonymous
Successful people have a tendency to over-rate themselves and their own importance. Most of us are suckers for praise and will relish our own publicity. We downplay our own mistakes. The more this happens, the less our subordinates will give honest feedback. Until they perceive we are open to candid response and are ready to make changes, they will not volunteer contrary opinions. Success has a way of blinding us to our flaws.
3. With Heavier Responsibilities comes Neglect of Good Habits
“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”
– Socrates
Increasing responsibilities make greater demands on our time. The incessant strains on our crowded schedules prevent us from keeping good habits that were cultivated when we shouldered less responsibilities. Busyness easily becomes an opiate.
Constant activities force us to respond to the urgent while deferring on important decisions. We need to be constantly reminded of the non-negotiables.
First, at least 7 hours of sleep.
Second, deeper reflection to differentiate between urgent from important matters. We become shallow when we do not pause and reflect. As someone said, ‘An unexamined life is not worth living’.
Third, we need to spend more time with God.
We easily allow the ‘urgent small pebbles’ to crowd out the ‘important big rocks’ in our lives. We need to be reminded that how we end does not depend on ambition or passion but on the habits we keep.
4. With More People to lead, Meaningful Relationships are Neglected
“If you hang out with chickens, you are going to cluck. But if you hang out with Eagles, you are going to fly.”
– Dr Steve Maraboli
Over the years, I have learned to treasure my friendships, especially my buddies who have served with me for over five decades. But the more teams and people I lead, the less time I have for them. Making time for accountable friendships has sustained and refreshed me through the years.
Neglecting meaningful relationships outside of family will isolate us and prevent us from ending well.
5. With Higher Performance comes Inattention to our Dark Side
“Everyone has a dark side. How it exposes us distinguishes us.”
– Preethi Pattabiraman
Everyone has a dark side. It has been called LFT – Leadership Failure Tendency. It could be pride, anger, past hurt, a spirit of unforgiveness or sexual impropriety. Some leaders are led to believe they should not talk about their dark side, focusing instead on their strengths and capabilities. My own experience has taught me that neglecting my LFT and refusing to deal with it will cause my downfall.
Our LFT affects our work and relationships, and cannot be compensated by our success or competence. Unattended, it will constantly haunt us, and will ultimately derail us and destroy everything that we have built.
How do we overcome the obstacles to ending well?
Instead of throwing stones at fallen leaders, we should search our desperately sinful hearts and discern wicked ways in ourselves. We need God’s mercy to sustain us to the end.
Regardless of fatigue – Finish well.
Regardless of opposition – Finish well.
Though tempted to quit – Finish well.
Complete what you started – Finish well.
You are on the home stretch – Finish well.
Do what you said you would do – Finish well.
Be a much-needed example for others – Finish well.
Remind yourself of all the reasons why you began – Finish well.
Another level of fulfillment and your next assignment await you – Finish well.
Do you know the Top 5 reasons why leaders fail? Click here to find out more.
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
“LOVE IT! From the meaningful poetry to the divine songs and the powerfully delivered sermon and creative visuals … ! Bravo and kudos for putting together a brilliant impactful production.”
– Geok
“I have just finished watching the concert. It is beautiful how the poems are intertwined into the Gospel story, scripture readings and songs. I have forwarded the concert to my family chat group, many are non believers. ”
– Kieran
“I am deeply moved by the Easter presentation. It is a magisterial work of poetry and songs, with cinematic visuals and sound effects bringing the audience to the foot of the cross and then to the empty tomb! The voices in the solos, duets, trios and quartets were rich in harmony and sung with gusto and conviction. Thank you for this wondrous experience that has lifted up my heart and soul! All and sundry will be richly blessed by this Easter masterpiece!”
– Anthony
“Definitely worth sharing. And yes, let’s pray that more people come to the Lord.”
– Karina
The impact and transformation in the hearts and minds of the viewers are encouraging. There were 3 inquirers about the faith. The video can be viewed at www.eagles.org.sg/raised till June 5. Share the Good News!
We would like to appeal to you to consider a gift in this evangelistic effort as we look forward to God’s continuing work through this ministry. As the Lord enables, you can contribute by clicking here.
Thank you for your kind consideration and prayers.
Dr John Ng is continuing to lead Eagles Rendezvous Bible Study sessions online.
He is midway through his 7-session series in Nehemiah. Ai Suan, a regular at this series made this response:
“To serve God, Nehemiah and his workers did a tremendous job, building the temple walls, day and night, while holding a sword in close ranks with each other, to defend against their enemies. The biblical book encouraged me to actively serve God, else our spiritual life will die. To serve God, we need courage to speak and defend against opposition and our fear of failure. We need to serve God wholeheartedly so that God’s Kingdom can be built, and God’s will be fulfilled.”
Join our study on Saturdays, 4 pm at Eagles Center (view map) till May 21st, 2022.
UP NEXT
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/18MayNexTimeout