The Danger of Success

Luke 12:1-2 - In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.     Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”

I have been around long enough to see a very frightening trend. Some gifted, talent people start out with sincere motives and passion to make a difference. They work hard, develop their skills, and build teams that multiply their impact. Before long, everyone around begins to success the results of their efforts: the organization grows, the profits increase, the fame spreads. These gifted young influencers are encouraged by the praise of those around them. The adrenaline rush of tangible success and popularity fuel them to push harder without a break. The crowds grow. The fame spreads. Soon the world takes note. At some point along the way, though, those young (or formerly young) zealots face a question: “Who am I, really?”

For some, the answer is, “I must be the best ever. Look at my success! If this many people say I am all that, surely it must be true. I cannot fail.” With their feelings of invulnerability, these people make often make compromises.

Others give the opposite answer to their question: “I am not who all these people think I am. If they find out the truth, I am finished. I have to work hard keep up the act so no one ever finds out the truth.” Some burn out, some get caught in breaches of integrity, and some lose the confidence to lead as the perception gets further from reality.

This is not a new problem. In the verses above, when the crowds were exploding, then Jesus warned his disciples. Notice the word “first.” In Greek this is an adverb, referring to the timing of Jesus’ warning and its priority. Your integrity is more important than your success. However, there is also the sense that Jesus warned his “first” disciples. They were with him before the crowds came. They saw the success. They were at risk of the same thing successful leaders today are: hypocrisy, which literally means putting on an act.

Jesus gives a clear warning to those who start to believe their own press. The act won’t work. You will get caught. The indiscretion will go public. Instead, be a person of integrity. Be yourself. Be humble. Work hard, but remember if you succeed in the world’s eyes, you are just one more human.