Page
A Heart Audit
Completion requirements
In life, there are many experiences and internal struggles that can cause our hearts to fracture. This fracturing can lead to unhealthy patterns of leadership and living. These wounds often stem from past experiences and unresolved feelings that affect how we relate to others, how we lead, and how we see ourselves in relation to God. Here are some common sources of heart fractures:
Many of us carry wounds from childhood that were never healed. These can show up in our adulthood as a constant need for validation. For example, someone who was constantly criticized or neglected as a child may become a leader who is constantly seeking approval from others. We might unthinkingly base our worth on external affirmation rather than our identity in Christ.
Experiencing rejection can cause deep fractures in the heart, leading to fear and control. Those who have been rejected may lead from a place of manipulation, always trying to get the upper hand to avoid being hurt again. Vulnerability becomes terrifying, and leadership turns into a defensive mechanism to keep rejection at bay. Instead of fostering trust, rejection-based leadership creates barriers.
Holding onto unforgiveness keeps us trapped in unhealthy emotional patterns. This might show itself as an eating disorder or other destructive behaviors as we try to cope with the pain that has not been resolved. Without forgiveness, bitterness and resentment can take root, affecting how we treat others and make decisions.
When we are overly concerned with what others think of us, we become ultimate people pleasers. This fear can lead to inauthentic leadership, where we make decisions based on seeking approval rather than what is right or what aligns with God’s will. It becomes impossible to lead with integrity when we are always trying to make everyone happy.
Unmet expectations can cause us to view the world through a lens of disappointment. When this becomes a pattern, we begin to see the glass as perpetually half-empty. It can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Leaders with this mindset may struggle to inspire hope and vision, as they themselves are stuck in a cycle of cynicism and discouragement.
Choosing not to obey God’s calling or His voice can fracture the heart, leading us into rebellion. When we resist God’s direction, it becomes difficult to lead others faithfully. Disobedience brings internal chaos, affecting not only our relationship with God but also our ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
Constant striving without rest can leave us physically and emotionally fatigued. When we are weary, we lead from a place of exhaustion rather than abundance. This striving often comes from a belief that our worth is tied to our work or accomplishments, leaving little room for grace or rest in God.
Being ungrateful can blind us to the breakthroughs and blessings in our lives. Gratitude is a powerful heart posture that invites God’s miracles into our lives. Without it, we remain stuck, always wanting more but never recognizing what God has already done.
When we hold onto offense, we are unable to lead impartially. An offended heart shows partiality toward some while excluding others, creating division. Offense distorts our perspective and clouds our judgment, making it impossible to lead with fairness and love.
Jealousy stems from the misconception that God has favorites. When we believe that someone else’s success diminishes our own chances, we develop a scarcity mindset. This fractured perspective breeds insecurity and comparison, both of which hinder healthy leadership.
Insecurity often comes from a misunderstanding of our identity in Christ. When we fail to grasp that we are beloved children of God, we seek validation in the wrong places. Insecurity leads to defensive leadership and a lack of confidence in the gifts God has given us.
Pride sometimes stems from a fear of rejection, which can manifest itself as arrogance. It is important to distinguish between pride and confidence. True confidence comes from knowing our identity in Christ. Meanwhile, pride can be rooted in a desire to protect ourselves from perceived threats or failures. Prideful leaders may reject feedback or correction, damaging relationships and limiting their growth.
Each of these areas represents a fracture that can undermine our leadership and our relationships with others. Healing begins with recognizing these fractures, bringing them before God, and allowing Him to transform our hearts. When we lead from a healed, whole heart, our leadership reflects the love, grace, and integrity that God desires.
A Heart Posture Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am sorry I have seen myself as flawed and fractured. I choose to believe that I have been uniquely designed and purposed to live in a relationship with you. I repent for feeling unworthy and unlovable. I choose to believe the truth that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you for creating me from the inside out, and now help me discover the true beauty that lives inside of me.
We have seen that Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts. Knowing that everything we do flows from it, we must ensure that our hearts are aligned with God’s purposes and free from the baggage of past wounds. As leaders, we must continually ask ourselves, “Am I leading from a place of wholeness, or from my fractures?” Only when we allow God to search and heal our hearts can we lead in a way that truly reflects His character.