Our primary problem is not so much that we sin, as that we do not prepare our hearts to serve the Lord. Sin cannot force us to succumb to it. It cannot compel us to do anything our heart refuses to do. But when we neglect our heart, we become susceptible to any temptation that comes along.
Leaders are often strong-willed people. We are accustomed to facing adversity. We are called upon to be decisive. We make hard decisions. Because of that we can assume that when the time comes, we will make the right decision. But that is not true if our heart is not set toward the Lord. Our hearts do not naturally seek after God (Jeremiah 17:9). If left to its own devices, our heart will deceive us every time.
No one can tend our heart for us. That is a responsibility that cannot be delegated. If we allow thorns and weeds to take root, it will soon be too cluttered to properly respond to God. Attending to our heart is not something that can be postponed. There are no priorities more urgent than keeping our heart healthy, pure, and loyal to God.
When busy leaders make excuses about not having time to properly focus on spiritual matters, they are in danger. Circumstances and temptations will inevitably come that press directly against the spot where we have become vulnerable. We might never have dreamed we would fall in that area, but we will. What have you done today to prepare your heart?