THE LUCIFER COMPLEX

​Church leaders who do not esteem their spiritual authorities should be fired – immediately! They should be fired for two reasons: first, they are operating under the spirit of Lucifer and second, Lucifer wouldn't resign, he had to be fired.

The first criterion for being a leader in the Kingdom of God is not talent; nor is it competence. The first and foremost qualifier for becoming a leader in the Kingdom of God is character. Why character? Because leaders in the church are primary targets of attack who hold great influence over the congregation. If individuals in leadership lack character, the church is exposed to great spiritual danger and deception. Therefore, upright character is non-negotiable; furthermore, lapses in character must be addressed without hesitation.

Theologians speculate that Lucifer was the worship leader in heaven. Many believe this because of certain descriptions of his being that include musical ability connected to worship and leadership (Is. 14:11-12 & Ez. 28:13). Unfortunately, instead of directing worship to God, he diverted it from God and unto Himself. As a result, the first church of heaven split in two with one third of the angels following their new leader into a path of rebellion (Rev. 12:4).

What about your ministry? Do you have any spirits of Lucifer in circulation? While this is an unpleasant and most regrettable question, it is a question that should be asked. Most churches have high-capacity leaders, but those who lead must evaluate themselves to ensure their motives are pure and their attitudes are righteous. If not, their influence will bring disruption, division, and destruction to the work of God.

The Lucifer Complex Promotes Itself.
'I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation" Isaiah 14:13

For Lucifer, ministry was all about him. He wanted a position, not so he could direct worship to God but divert it to himself. He lusted for attention. He wanted admiration to be upon his own beauty and unique giftings. A longing for respect, recognition, and praise were the motivators that secretly drove him in his duties. He was not concerned about how much glory God received; he was mostly interested in how much glory he received.

Likewise, the Lucifers in our churches are not concerned about the well being of the church or the glory of God, they are concerned about how they look, how highly they are esteemed, and how many people pat them on the back at the end of their service and say, "Wow, you did a great job. What talent you have!"

Every leader must take heed against such prideful motives. Ministry is not an opportunity to showcase abilities or draw applause of people. It is not a spotlight to demonstrate how skillfully one can play an instrument, preach a sermon, "hit' the high notes with their voice, or lead a team. Kingdom leadership is about one thing: bringing glory to God. Any motive for self promotion is rooted in the prideful exaltation of Lucifer and is an unacceptable offering of ministry.

The Lucifer Complex Challenges Authority
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Isaiah 14:14 

The hallmark characteristic of Lucifer was that he challenged the authority standing over Him, the very authority of God. His motivation for this rebellion is clear. Lucifer wants to be in charge. His will, his way, his wants are all that matters. The voice of authority over him is not a guiding influence to be esteemed, it is an obstacle standing in the way of personal ambition. Further, anyone that contradicts his "authority" is to be put down and cast aside.

It is for this reason that the Lucifer Complex can't stand lead pastors. The lead pastoral office is a position of authority; in fact, it is the highest office of authority in the local church. As such, it is a threat to the "authority" of Lucifer and the most detested by him. In fact, this power struggle between subordinate leaders and the senior pastor is the foremost indicator that a spirit of Lucifer is at work in the church.

For example, consider this dynamic when it relates to worship leaders. Often, in the true tradition of Lucifer, those in the worship ministry will consider themselves the "elite" when it comes to worship and "the things of the spirit." The pastor (and others in authority who don't "submit" to their opinions) are judged as "immature" in spiritual things. For example, if the pastor's redirects the service during worship, his actions will be viewed as an "interruption of the flow of the 'spirit.'" Further, under the guise of spiritual concern, there will often be prayer requests and discussion among those in the worship ministry regarding the authority's lack of sensitivity. I have even seen where team members have "eyed" one another or made suspicious glances during church services when a pastor steps forward to assert his rightful direction over the service.

The first lesson of church governance that the leader of worship must learn is that he or she is not first worship leader of the church, the pastor is. The pastor is the shepherd of the flock, and the headship of Christ is administrated through this office. Therefore, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring worship is done right in the church lies with him. He is the spiritual headship in the church who eventually answers to God for all that occurs in the life of the church. While the one who leads singing and music may be the worship leader in terms of title and ministry function, the ultimate worship leader in the church, in terms of accountability and authority is the pastor.

The Lucifer Complex Resists Accountability
You were the anointed cherub…you were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, 'till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading, you became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Ezekiel 28:14-16 

Scripture reveals that Lucifer was very active (the abundance of trading), but not under accountability (became filled with violence). There may have been other cherubim that tried to warn him about his ways; in fact, God Himself may have offered correction. But Lucifer wasn't interested in anyone's opinion but his own. In his mind, his way was the only way; he didn't need instruction--he should have been instructing everyone else.

This spirit is no different in the church. When a leader believes his way is the only way and no one else's opinion really matters except his own, he is operating under the spirit of Lucifer. The best indicator of this is how the leader responds to the instructions given him from his authorities. Does he seek to fully understand them, or does he dismiss them outright? Does he endeavor to openly communicate and provide updates on the ministry or does remain elusive and vague? Does he disregard meetings or appointments? Does he cooperate with directives, instructions and recommended changes or does he ignore them? In essence, Lucifer suffers from a confusion of ownership about his ministry. He believes the ministry is his and only he has the right to govern it.