The Success Trap: Why Leaders Need Grace, Not Achievement
"When you achieve success, be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that all is well because of what you have done." We would be wise to heed those words from the late pastor Jack Miller. For many leaders, once success is achieved, humility and being poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) seem to disappear.
How does this happen? Success can cause any leader to forget that they remain dependent on Jesus. Worldly achievements have a way of making us feel valued, wanted, and needed, which becomes intoxicating in our achievement-obsessed culture. This leads us to seek fulfillment and validation in what we've accomplished rather than anchoring our worth in who we are: children of the living God. When we become consumed with success and the approval of others, we risk becoming spiritual orphans, spurning our Heavenly Father for treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
Yet this spiritual danger reveals a fundamental truth that every leader must embrace: no matter how much success they achieve, they remain dependent on the love and grace of God. Herein lies the beauty of the Gospel. In God's economy, every leader is worth far more than trophies, cheering crowds, and pay raises. The Father sent His Son to live, die, and rise from the grave to extend grace, love, and salvation to all who recognize their need. This is precisely why wise leaders understand they must guard against the trap of pride and self-righteousness—because the Gospel is for the needy, not the self-sufficient.
This principle becomes even clearer in Jack Miller's follow-up observation: "Always remember that grace is not for achievers; it's for the bankrupt." Christian leaders in our achievement-obsessed age must live in a way that reveals their constant dependence on Jesus. They must embrace their spiritual bankruptcy, knowing that true wealth comes only through accepting the free gift of grace.
Ultimately, the most effective leaders understand that "all is well" in life only when they rest in God's grace rather than their accomplishments. Success may come and go, but God's grace remains constant. When we anchor our identity in Christ rather than our achievements, we discover the freedom to lead with genuine humility and authentic strength—the very qualities that make leadership truly fruitful.
To Him be the glory forever and ever.
If you’re interested in reading more from Jack Miller: Saving Grace: Daily Devotions from Jack Miller.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
