Everyone has heard the news by now. Justin Bieber was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and driving without a valid license on Thursday.
In response, the Beliebers and haters came out to play en masse. The top trends on Twitter gave voice to both camps: #WeWillAlwaysSupportYouJustin and #DeportBieber. The Beebs news headlined over Syrian peace talks and new Olympic threats.
Justin, 19 years old, joins the ranks with stars like Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, and Amanda Bynes—those who have risen to the top, only to fall—publically.
It’s easy to think that kind of ludicrous behavior only happens to superstars and forget that attitudes of acting out easily slip into our own hearts.
Whenever we begin giving ear to the power, the accolades, and the position we’ve been entrusted with, more than the One who granted such favor, we soon find ourselves spinning out of control. [Tweet this]
Here are 3 things Justin Bieber’s arrest reminds us NOT to believe when it comes to church leadership:
1. The Rules Don’t Apply to You. [Tweet this]
This is one of the big temptations of everyone no matter what title they’re given. It usually begins in the small things. Little rules we feel like we can skip because we’re special, because so much is riding on us, because we really need to get this done now. Ever been tempted to send that last text even while the plane was still taxiing for takeoff? Ever slipped a photo after you’d been clearly directed to put all cameras away? Ever found a way to cut in line, slip in the back door, or explain to someone why you’re the exception? I’ve been guilty of all these at one time or another. Most of us have.
Proverbs 25:28 reminds us, “A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.” When we place expectations on others, but don’t follow them ourselves we invite dissension to the party.
But what I’ve been discovering is great joy waits in following the rules. In leaving more margin in life so I’m not as rushed and tempted to take shortcuts. In leaving my cell phone in airplane mode until the plane touches down. In following the speed limit. In those moments when we embrace that the rules do apply to us, we open our hearts to walking in greater contentment and compassion. We also discover everyone around us a whole lot more happy.
2. Surround yourself with those who only say YES. [Tweet this]
While it feels great to be affirmed by your team, YES people can be dangerous. Ensure that the people around you will say NO when they disagree with you and hold you accountable to your actions. Leif and I have given one another the power of veto—if one of us has an idea the other doesn’t agree with, we invite conversation and pushback about the decision. And that’s not just with each other. Within our office we invite people to push back on ideas, plans, and the way we execute projects. Hearing NO isn’t always fun, but it leads to better, healthier decisions all around.
3. Assume all your critics are wrong. [Tweet this]
I’ve read some pretty scathing reviews of my work over the years. But a few years ago, I began reaching out to those I could track down to ask, “How can I fix this? What can I do better?” Sometimes my inquiries went without reply. But among those who responded, I always learned something new. I discovered all kinds of perspectives including the double meaning of a word I’d never heard before, situations which defied my use of the word “always,” “every,” or “never”, or a practical suggestion on how to approach a sensitive topic. Your critics aren’t all right, but among them are some real treasures. Hunt for the gold, learn and discover your weaknesses, and work to become better at your craft and becoming a better human being.
When it comes to leading and serving others what are the biggest pitfalls you’ve had to overcome?
