Lying leaders are headed down a moral slippery slope

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As a liar tells more lies he or she becomes more of a liar at heart. The practice becomes an increasingly natural and dominant part of the person as their conscience becomes increasingly seared and the rewards of lying become increasingly appreciated. In one extreme case I am aware of it seemed to some observers that the liar actually came to delight in the lying itself. Lying can give the liar a sense of power and personal triumph over the ones he or she has deceived. In the extreme case mentioned above, the leader was known to occasionally lie even when there was no tangible benefit to himself or anyone else. In time, habitual liars do not think of themselves as doing anything wrong when they lie. These liars come to think of “truth” in utilitarian terms. Whatever is useful is “true.” Whatever inconveniences or embarrasses them is “false.” Whether something is factual or not seems not to be an ethical issue for these dishonest leaders. Consequently, they feel a genuine sense of moral outrage when someone challenges or opposes them. This “sincerity” that their twisted morality provides them enhances their continued persuasiveness with their followers.

The habit of lying removes the safe-guard of accountability. Accountability to others is a strong barrier to sin. [2] If, due to the habit of lying to cover our sins, we believe no one else will know what we have done wrong, we will not feel accountable to others for our actions and this barrier will be removed. When this barrier is removed the backslidden heart is given free reign and the liar will inevitably find himself gaining unstoppable momentum down the moral slippery slope. On this downward slide he will hurt himself and others.
Lying leaders increase their culpability by remaining in leadership positions that, in spite of their rationalizations, they know they are not morally qualified for. Paul provides us with strict moral qualifications for leaders (1 Ti 3 and Tit 1) and while lying leaders seem to feel that their position and “anointing” somehow excuse their sin or validate their rationalizations, James tells us that those who exercise leadership responsibilities in the church such as teaching are actually more accountable to God for their conduct (Jas 3:1). As Matthew Henry said, "A wicked man is the worst of creatures; a wicked Christian is the worst of men; and a wicked minister is the worst of Christians."

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