Landmines

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” - 1 Corinthians 10:12

There is nothing more deceptive and destructive than a landmine. A landmine is an explosive device that is hidden in the ground. The landmine is detonated when pressure is applied on top of it, such as someone walking or driving over it. A landmine produces catastrophic damage.

Spiritually, the devil has landmines strategically placed in the path of life. As believers, we need to be aware of this potential problem. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, the Apostle Paul mentioned our enemy when he wrote, “... we are not ignorant of his devices.” We need to be aware of the enemy's strategy, which includes landmines.

Those in ministry are very vulnerable to landmines. Due to the nature of our calling and work, the enemy has targeted ministers. Specific landmines have been set for those in ministry. These landmines come in the form of temptation, designed to target personal weakness or unguarded areas of life. Despite the enemy's effectiveness, most ministers act as if they are immune to landmines. We need to heed Paul's words, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Many who will read this may not be ministers, but it will certainly give you an idea how to pray for your pastor and others in ministry. Furthermore, these landmines also exist for those outside of ministry, so there is something here for everyone. For those who are in ministry, I will not write anything new. You are fully aware of these landmines. I mention them to remind you (and myself) to be vigilant in avoiding these landmines.

Although there are many landmines in place, I want to mention the three most deadly landmines that ministers will face.

FEMALES

First of all, the enemy loves to see ministers fall into immorality. Nothing will destroy a ministry quicker than adultery. Cases of such landmine disasters are well-known. Sadly, the number of those impacted by this landmine continue to grow. Ministers are often in a vulnerable situation, offering spiritual and emotional support to hurting people. Unless a minister sets very strict guidelines in counseling, he will quickly be a victim of this landmine. No minister is immune to this landmine, so we must guard against it.

FINANCES

There have been pastors who've been removed from leadership because of financial impropriety. In my opinion, the pastor should not be in charge of church finances. Ministers who lead evangelistic or para-church organizations need to have someone else handle the finances. Ministry finances should never be hidden or secretive. A minister should not be manipulating funds for personal gain. Neither should he consider himself to a financial guru and try to gamble the church's finances on day-to-day stock market trading. Ministers have a simple job: love God, love their family and preach the Word. Keep away from the money. Don't let it corrupt and destroy your ministry. It is a landmine that has destroyed the reputation and credibility of many.

FAME

This final landmine is often overlooked. In fact, some would argue that it is not a landmine at all. Yet, because of its deceptive nature, this is the most deadly landmine. Normally, this is the first step that leads to the other landmines. There are ministers who are faithful to their wives and refuse to abuse ministry finances, yet pride is destroying their ministry. If you are enjoying any degree of success in ministry, don't let it go to your head. If your ministry is growing phenomenally compared to other churches in your neighborhood, association or convention, don't act superior to others. Success in ministry is a work of grace. If lives are being changed, it is God that deserves the credit, not you. Too many mega-church pastors believe their press release and strut onto Christian talk shows and special venues, thinking that they deserve to be there. If your ministry is going through a dispensation of growth, get on your knees and thank God for it. Remember that Paul wrote that, “God gives the increase.” The Bible clearly teaches that God resists the proud. Sadly, many ministers are like Samson who “did not know that the Lord had left him.” It is possible to have a growing church without God's blessing. Cults are an example of this. It is better to be in a small, humble church with the touch of God on your life than to lead an exciting, growing mega-church, but never sense God's presence and power.

How can minister avoid these landmines? First of all, recognize that they exist. We are in a harvest field, but landmines are around us. Secondly, realize that you are vulnerable. You may think that your marriage is strong and that adultery could never happen. But you ARE vulnerable to females, finances and fame. Next, avoid the landmines. Avoid them by staying close to God. Neglecting your spiritual growth is a careless act that leads to landmines. Keep your priorities. Walk with God daily, spend quality time with your family and enlist the prayerful support of other believers. Finally, remain accountable. You need to have other friends who can speak into your life. Be transparent with these few, faithful friends.

Jesus faced landmines Himself. As a man, He avoided them. As God He triumphed over them. We can avoid them, too. With the Lord's help, we can enjoy victory every day. Let's avoid the landmines of sin!