Self-aggrandizement is not the mark of true leadership. For example, in the world of politics, some have entered office moderately blessed in life, but at the end of their term in office, they are worth millions of dollars. They wield influence not based on their native leadership skills but on the connections made while being in office. A compromise of their integrity occurs when lobbyists representing the military-industrial complex dangle before them offers of wealth and prestige. One could add to that hyphenated definition a pharmaceutical component.
This is not limited to politicians or local public officials; it can happen in the Church. When leaders assume a self-appointed position of importance above the people they are called to serve and abandon the foot-washing model demonstrated by Jesus, the door opens to compromise. Special interest groups within a local church or on the board of a denomination can…
