The more we think our sin is quiet, the more susceptible we are to its deception and destruction. If we think we are standing firm, we are more likely to fall (I Corinthians 10:12).

In his famous and classic work, Mortification of Sin, John Owen wrote, “Never think your sin is dead because it is quiet, but labor to give it new wounds, new blows every day.” He also famously wrote, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.” The more we think our sin is quiet, the more susceptible we are to its deception and destruction. If we think we are standing firm, we are more likely to fall (I Corinthians 10:12). Based on my own struggles and learning from the struggles of other leaders, here are 5 sins leaders must “labor to give new wounds to every day.”

1. Pride

Pride has been called the father of all sins, because when we are prideful we insist on our own way instead of surrendering to God’s way. Because leaders are in positions where people to end to listen, where they can move resources around and set direction that others will follow, pride can easily creep in to our hearts and minds. The marriage of a leader’s power with the affirmation a leader receives from others produces a deep potential for pride to overtake the leader. Pride must be slain by walking closely with the Lord. Being in awe of Him reminds leaders that are small and that He is ultimately in control.

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