I met with Stephen Brewster, this week in downtown Nashville. Stephen is in town for the GMA’s in his official capacity as the Senior Director of Marketing for Integrity Music. Stephen and I have gotten to know each other a little over the last couple of months. If you don’t regularly read his blog then CLICK HERE for a little taste. I bet you’ll go back for more! He’s off the charts creative and inspired me in all kinds of ways yesterday. But here was the one thing that stood out.

He said, “Pete, you need to know your present state of deception. We are all deceived by something.”

That statement bounced around in my head all day yesterday. I thought about verses like Proverbs 14:12 which remind me that we all have the unbelievable capacity for self deception. And while the stakes are high for everyone, for those of you that are leaders, you really have to tune in to your deception. Leading from your state of deception can do a lot of damage to your organization and the people under your leadership.

I think my present state of deception has to do with the attitude, “If I don’t, it won’t.” Sometimes I buy into the idea that I have to do it, and if I don’t do it, it’s not going to be done or it’s not going to be done right. It’s birthed from control and/or trust issues that I know I need to keep in check on a regular basis. The real down side to this deception is that I don’t end up empowering the people that God has entrusted to my life.

You’re next. What is your current state of deception?

Hint: If you can’t think of one you should ask someone close to you. They will probably be able to answer it without even thinking!