You’re Not Broken, You’re Bored

One of the greatest dangers for leaders isn’t always failure—it’s boredom.

When things are going well in your church or ministry, you often gain more freedom. That freedom is a gift, but if you don’t steward it well, it becomes a trap. Many leaders, when they get bored, start meddling. They add programs, chase shiny opportunities, or tinker with healthy systems. In the process, they create more work for their team and distract their church from the vision they themselves cast.

The Bible gives us a sobering example of what happens when leaders get bored. “In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army… However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1 NLT).

David wasn’t broken. He was bored. He was a warrior king, anointed to lead his people into battle. Instead, he lingered at home. And what happened in his boredom? Temptation crept in. He saw Bathsheba, and his idleness led to one of the darkest spirals of sin in his life.

When leaders stop engaging in their God-given mission, boredom often leads to compromise. You may not fall into David’s exact trap, but the pattern is the same:

Disengagement → Distraction → Destruction

But Don’t Just Take My Word For It…

• Israel in the Wilderness (Exodus 32). While Moses was on the mountain with God, the people grew restless. Bored and impatient, they pressured Aaron to make the golden calf. Their idleness led to idolatry.

• The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30). The servant who buried his talent out of fear and inactivity ended up losing everything. Doing nothing is never neutral—it eventually leads to loss.

• Lot’s Wife (Genesis 19:26). Distracted by what she was leaving behind, she turned and lost her future. Boredom and distraction cause us to lose focus on where God is leading.

The Leadership Test: Good Idea or God Idea?

When you’re evaluating new opportunities, pause and ask: Is this a good idea, or a God idea? A good idea may look exciting but pull you off course. A God idea will always align with your vision, values, and the mission God has called you to.

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (NLT). Not every plan is from God. That’s why discernment is key.

Guardrails Against Boredom

• Stay engaged with the mission. Keep your eyes on the harvest. Boredom often comes when you forget the urgency of souls.

• Lean into trusted voices. Who do you have in your life that you can process ideas with honestly? Wise counsel isn’t optional—it’s essential. “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success” (Proverbs 15:22 NLT).

• Fill your freedom with focus. Use seasons of margin to develop leaders, deepen prayer, and invest in your own soul.

Leader, you’re not broken. You’re bored. And boredom can be corrected. If you’re starting to spiral, stop right now. Don’t drift into distraction or worse—destruction.

Hit reply to this email. I’m here to help.

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In 60 minutes, we’ll clarify vision, prune distractions, and build a 30-day momentum plan. It’s free, and you’ll get the Clarity Sheet, Pruning Checklist, and Momentum Plan.

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You’ve got what it takes—Cheering you on as you lead with clarity and courage,