Can you think of a time when a leader deceived you? How did it make you feel? Deception is one of the most difficult behaviors for someone to endure because it tricks its victim into a trap. Fully surrendered leaders embrace integrity over deceit.

The Apostle Paul referenced the behavior of charlatans of his day when he wrote to believers in Thessalonica: “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). The NASB translates trick, from the Greek word dolos, as deceit. The word originally referred to catching fish with bait. A deceptive teacher would draw unsuspecting followers into a trap by flashing the enticement to lure them into making the foolish choice that would expedite the leader’s selfish agenda, namely giving them money for their empty advice. The relationship ended when the follower’s resources ran dry.

A similar picture unfolds today in organizations steered by a deceitful captain at the helm. Members of the team experience discomfort, discouragement, and the demands of the insincere leader who exhibits no concern for the values of those around them. The result is chaos. Eventually, the leader’s slippery pattern is discovered, and their life is destroyed, often taking down their organization with them. Solomon taught: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9). He continued: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3). Duplicity literally means “folded.” Underneath the surface is another hidden, unsuspected layer. We often reference a leader like this as “two-faced.” Satan is the ultimate deceiver who desires to replicate his fraudulence in his prey (Micah 2:11; Acts 13:10; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 John 1:7; Revelation 20:10).

Is your organization or family experiencing the discouragement, discomfort, and demands of deception? Contribute to the solution by surrendering to Christ and experiencing His wholeness in your relationships. Encourage, comfort, and invite those around you toward a common goal of advancing His Kingdom in your work and ministry.

Episode 468: What Fully Surrendered Leaders Embrace with Kelly Byrd from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.