What are the signs that your pride and arrogance are out of control? (121-5)

Leaders have influence. Influence is a neutral word but the person with influence can use their influence for good or for evil. Read Esther 3-7.

King Xerxes of Persia chose a man named Haman to be prime minister, second in command, of all of Persia. At the command of the king, all the royal officials at the king’s gate bowed down to Haman. Haman allowed his pride to surface and grew to feel this kind of treatment was deserved. When Mordecai the Jew refused to bow down or pay honor to Haman based on his religious beliefs, Haman was enraged. If Haman had not been full of pride he may have dealt with the problem directly and severely punished Mordecai but Haman chose to make a larger statement to satisfy his pride and demonstrate his power. He determined to destroy all the Jewish people living in Persia because of Mordecai’s actions.Haman’s plot to exterminate an entire race involved deceiving the king and using his power and authority to satisfy his personal agenda. Ultimately it was Haman’s own arrogance, pride and lust for power that was the source of his ruin. Leaders can learn from Haman. Just a few signs that a leader’s pride and arrogance are out of control:

• They misunderstand the times because they can’t see past their own interests.
• They lose joy over the little problems.
• They need inordinate amounts of recognition for their self-image.
• They never have enough to satisfy their greed and ambition and are always unhappy and striving for more.
• They tend to listen to the wrong people.

Haman must have had some outstanding leadership qualities to have been elevated to his position by Xerxes but Haman had vicious character flaws. Haman openly wielded his power as a means to control and manipulate others. Because of his leadership ability, Haman was given influence but because of his arrogance and pride he chose to use his influence for evil. Wise leaders continually evaluate their character against God’s stated standards.

Proverbs 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.