The twelve men who were appointed for the task of spying out the land were men in responsible positions. They were heads of their tribes and leaders amongst God’s people. Now it is true that as believers we are all responsible. We read, “...to every man his work” (Mark 13:3434For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. (Mark 13:34)); and also, “...everyone of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:1212So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)). Yet there are those who are more responsible: those that God has raised up in a place of leadership and influence, whether it is in the local assembly, or on a wider sphere. Such must be always especially watchful and circumspect. The truth is, they are often the greatest target of Satan, in that he understands that if he can trip up those in a place of leadership and influence, not only do they miss the path themselves, but they usually take others with them, and may cause many to stumble and be led astray. They may even be restored to the path later on themselves, but sad to say, they rarely bring their followers back. No doubt Paul had this in mind when he addressed the Ephesian elders for the last time, and exhorted them, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers” (Acts 20:2828Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)). Then also to Timothy, who had a place of prominence as an apostolic delegate in the early church, he says, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:1616Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16)). The work of the enemy has always been to try and get intelligent, pious, influential, individuals to go along with him in his schemes. Usually they are those who are gifted, have natural ability and charisma, and know their Bibles well. This is how he so often successfully accomplishes his purposes of duping and dividing the people of God.
As a side note, it is important to pray for those that are leaders, shepherds, or elders among God’s people. Another great work of the enemy has been to get us occupied with the faults and idiosyncrasies of such so that our ears become closed to their ministry, counsel, advice, and guidance. Yet, if we are bringing them before the throne of grace in prayer and supplication, it gives us a whole different perspective through the eyes of Christ, and it is for them a protective and preventative measure. Perhaps many a leader amongst the flock of God would be spared a fall if we were more diligent in praying for them!