Previously, I've written about indicators that your pride might be getting out of hand. All of us wrestle with ego—and if you say you don't, you might be wrong. 

Especially as Christian leaders, we need to take the necessary steps to guard against ego. Consider these:

1. Read the Word every day. The Bible has a way of pointing out our arrogance. In fact, not reading the Word is a subtle expression that "I don't need to hear from God regularly." That's pride.

2. Spend 15 minutes daily considering the greatness of God. Use a systematic theology book to study His attributes. Sing your favorite praise chorus. Read Bible stories of His power. Fall on your face each day, and pray humbly to Him.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

3. Know that pride is the sin of the devil. He sought the highest place in heaven (Is. 14:12-14; 1 Tim. 3:6), and he seeks to draw all leaders into the trap of ego. He's subtle enough that he wants us to be arrogant and not recognize it—and certainly not confess it.

4. Ask your spouse to be honest with you. Nobody knows our issues more than our spouses do. Let your spouse just talk to you—while you only listen. Defensiveness equals arrogance.

5. Enlist an accountability partner. Honesty that peels the layers of our sinful heart also uproots our pride. Give somebody permission to point out every ounce of ego in your life.

6. Ask this question: "If my children walked in my shoes, living exactly like I live, would I be happy with that?" Usually, our answer to that question humbles us. 

7. Regularly serve somebody who can give you nothing in return. Feed the hungry. Visit the prison. Minister in a nursing home. Even if your ministry has "outgrown" this kind of work, do it anyway. If you consider it beneath you, arrogance is a serious problem.

8. Take an entire day to confess your sin. When you wake up, ask God to show you every sin of your heart until you lie down again that night. I promise you that He will work over your pride.

9. Invite professional review—and rebuke. If you're a preacher, ask another preacher to review your sermons. If you're a small-group leader, ask another leader to evaluate your work. If you sing, ask somebody who's gifted musically to give you an assessment. Again, just listen. 

10. Every week, honor somebody else. Recognize a staff member. Write a Facebook post about a faithful Christ follower. Take a quiet servant leader to lunch. Send a note to someone who's made a difference in your life. Do what it takes to get your eyes off self.

We're all in this struggle. What suggestions would you make?

Chuck Lawless is dean and vice president of Graduate Studies and Ministry Centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. In addition, he is global theological education consultant for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

For the original article, visit chucklawless.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.