A Warning to Leaders and Those Who Serve Them
Author: Astro De Great
In every generation, stories rise of leaders who once empowered others, only to later weaponize that generosity. The cycle continues: “I gave you your first platform. I made you. I raised you.” Yes, you did. And it is commendable. But does your past help give you the right to control someone else’s future especially when your decisions begin to destroy their lives?
Let’s be honest: helping someone does not make you their god. Offering support does not give you a license to mistreat, manipulate, or make decisions on their behalf without accountability. Leadership is not ownership. You don’t buy people by doing good for them. If your help comes with chains, then it’s no longer help it’s slavery in disguise.
Leaders: Your Past Good Deeds Don’t Excuse Present Tyranny
One of the most tragic patterns in spiritual leadership and mentorship today is the demand for unquestioning loyalty, even in the face of blatant recklessness. When leaders lose the ability to listen, reflect, or grow, they become tyrants, not shepherds.
It is important for leaders to remember that those they raised also contributed to their growth. No one thrives alone. No one builds a legacy without people. So while it’s noble that you gave opportunities, remember the sacrifices others made for your vision too.
King Saul gave David his first platform, yes but he later became his greatest tormentor. So, giving someone a platform doesn’t mean you have the right to turn around and ruin their lives under the guise of loyalty.
To Those Who Serve: Know What You’re Submitting To
On the flip side, many assistants, mentees, or junior ministers walk blindly into platforms and positions without truly counting the cost. They are often overwhelmed by the shine of the opportunity and fail to understand the person behind the platform.
But naivety is not a shield. Life will happen to you, regardless of how innocent you claim to be. When you align yourself with a toxic person or a reckless leader, you must be ready for the storm that follows them.
You may suffer not for what you did wrong but for what they failed to do right.
In some cases, it’s not just mismanagement it’s abuse. People have lost their families, reputations, even their lives because they were loyal to someone who saw them as disposable. The world won’t hear your story until you break down, act out, or finally walk away and by then, they might call you the villain.
Just like a woman who finally retaliates against an abusive partner is labeled a witch, while no one remembers the years of torment she endured. Context matters.
Loyalty Is Not a One-Way Street
Loyalty without accountability is bondage. If someone continues to take losses on your behalf because of your pride, recklessness, or incompetence, don’t be shocked when they switch sides. They are not disloyal they are human.
And one thing about humans is that everyone has a breaking point.
If you truly value loyalty, then create an environment where loyalty is nurtured not demanded. Be the kind of leader people are glad to follow, not one they are scared to confront.
If you’re a leader, don’t wear your past help like a badge of entitlement. If you’re serving under someone, don’t walk blindly into submission without discernment.
Both sides must be honest. Both must be accountable. And both must remember this simple truth:
“Loyalty must never be the excuse for bondage, and leadership must never be the excuse for abuse.”
A warning to leaders: If you become the reason others are broken, betrayed, or destroyed in the name of ministry or mentorship, you’ve lost your way.
And to followers: Be wise. Not every open door leads to freedom some lead to captivity.
If this speaks to you, reflect. Correct. And most importantly protect your soul.
Astro 