He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)
As a veteran of spiritual warfare, the Apostle Paul made every effort to teach church pastors the importance of character when selecting other leaders.
Read the headlines. Listen to cable news. Leaders bite the dust almost daily. Many fail for reasons of faulty character.
Military leaders are no different. While no one can stop the vicious attacks through the rumor mill, we can take precautions to establish and protect our character.
What are some precautions you can take? Like any other line of work, many relate money, sex, and power. In the work environment, don’t let yourself get alone with a member of the opposite sex. Build accountability in all dealings with money. Keep confidential information confidential.
You say, “That could never happen to me!” Don’t be so sure. My memories of military service are dotted with incidents of leaders assuming it could never happen to them. But it did.
Give the Devil and inch and he will take a mile.
No one can destroy your character without your cooperation.
