October 10, 2026
The Law of Achan
The Danger of Success for Servant Leaders
One of the greatest dangers facing servant leaders is not failure but success. Most leaders prepare themselves for battles, criticism, hardship, and opposition. Far fewer prepare themselves for the vulnerabilities that often follow victory. Yet throughout Scripture we see that many defeats occurred not before success but after it.
The story of Achan reveals this principle. Israel had just witnessed one of the greatest miracles in their history. The walls of Jericho had fallen through God’s power. The nation was celebrating a tremendous victory. Yet immediately afterward came a painful defeat at Ai.
Joshua 7:1 says, “But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban.” While everyone was focused on the victory, hidden compromise entered the camp. Israel assumed that because God had blessed them at Jericho, success at Ai would naturally follow. They became confident in yesterday’s victory instead of remaining dependent upon God for today’s battle.
Servant leaders face the same danger. Success can create a false sense of security. We can become satisfied with what God has done rather than seeking what He wants to do next. We begin talking about past victories more than pursuing present obedience. The very blessing that should increase our gratitude can sometimes decrease our dependence.
Joshua 7:3 records the attitude of the people concerning Ai: “Do not let all the people go up.” They assumed the next battle would be easy. They relied upon their own assessment rather than seeking God’s direction. The result was defeat and discouragement.
This is what I call the Law of Achan. After every victory, servant leaders become vulnerable to complacency, pride, self-reliance, and spiritual drift. The danger is not usually obvious rebellion. More often it is a gradual loss of urgency. Prayer becomes less passionate. Dependence becomes less intentional. The hunger that drove us toward God during the battle slowly fades.
One of the greatest safeguards against this danger is maintaining fresh vision. Healthy servant leaders always have another mountain to climb. They are grateful for what God has done but remain focused on what God is calling them toward next. New goals keep us humble because they remind us of our need for God. New assignments stretch our faith and prevent us from settling into comfort.
The Apostle Paul modeled this mindset. Despite all God had accomplished through his ministry, he wrote, “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul celebrated victories, but he refused to live in them. He understood that spiritual growth requires continual forward movement.
Servant leaders must resist the temptation to build monuments to yesterday’s successes. God never intended victories to become resting places. They are platforms from which He launches us into greater dependence and greater service. The moment we begin living on yesterday’s testimony, we stop pursuing today’s assignment.
Proverbs 4:18 says, “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” God’s plan is continual growth. There are always deeper lessons to learn, greater faith to exercise, and more people to serve.
When God grants a victory, celebrate it. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Rejoice in what He has done. Then ask Him where He wants you to go next. Do not allow success to produce spiritual relaxation. Let it produce greater humility and greater dependence.
The Law of Achan reminds us that victories can create vulnerabilities if we are not careful. The safest servant leader is not the one who has achieved the most but the one who remains the most dependent upon God. Yesterday’s victory cannot sustain today’s calling. Every new day requires fresh grace, fresh obedience, and fresh surrender.
The servant leader who remains hungry after success, humble after promotion, and dependent after victory will continue growing long after others have settled into complacency. Celebrate the victory, but keep moving forward. God always has another assignment ahead.
