Scripture: Ezekiel 8:12 “He said to me, ‘Son of man, have you seen what the elders of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, “The Lord does not see us; the Lord has forsaken the land.”‘”
The Leadership Challenge
You’re discovering that your organization—church, ministry, or business—has some serious blind spots. Maybe it’s financial practices that prioritize comfort over mission. Political allegiances that override biblical values. Programs that exist for institutional preservation rather than kingdom advancement.
You’re in a position to see behind the curtain, and what you’re finding isn’t pretty. The question is: What do you do with that knowledge?
Ezekiel’s Discovery
When Ezekiel toured Jerusalem’s temple, he found it full of “idols of jealousy”—alternative objects of worship that had taken God’s place. The religious leaders thought their activities were hidden, but nothing escapes God’s notice.
Modern organizational “idols” look like:
- Building projects that become more important than spiritual growth
- Donor relationships that compromise prophetic voice
- Denominational loyalty that overrides biblical conviction
- Personal legacy that drives decisions more than God’s glory
- Numerical growth pursued at the expense of spiritual depth
The Leader’s Dilemma
You can’t unsee what you’ve seen. But you also can’t burn down the institution overnight. Leadership requires wisdom to know when to confront, when to work within the system, and when to remove yourself.
Questions every leader must answer:
- Is this compromise of core values or peripheral preferences?
- Can reform happen from within, or is separation necessary?
- Will staying silent make me complicit in what I know is wrong?
- How do I balance institutional loyalty with prophetic responsibility?
Leadership Strategy
Ezekiel’s approach: Document the problems, speak truth to power, but trust God with the timing and outcomes.
Practical steps for leaders:
- Start with prayer and fasting for wisdom and courage
- Build alliances with other leaders who share your concerns
- Address issues directly with appropriate authority levels first
- Be prepared for resistance and potential personal cost
- Keep the mission central rather than personal grievances
Leadership Reflection
- What compromises in your organization concern you most?
- How can you address systemic issues without becoming cynical or destructive?
- Where is God calling you to be a voice for reform?
Action for Leaders
Choose one organizational practice that concerns you. This week, begin praying specifically about how God wants you to address it, and identify one appropriate person to discuss it with.
