N.T. Wright’s book, subtitled Why Christian Character Matters, focuses on the need for virtue becoming “second nature.” Virtue must be a natural or automatic response for leaders.
The book develops three major thoughts. The first examines the virtuous purpose of Christian character.
The second discusses the need for character transformation. Character transformation must occur within, creating a change of actions demonstrated in our conduct.
The third considers the virtues of faith, hope, and love. These virtues are developed within the context of community.
We must implement these virtues, but we need each other to do so. We cannot develop as spiritual leaders in isolation.
Do we see the best in others…or the worst?
Do we seek truth…or are we satisfied with preconceived ideas?
Are we content with getting by…or do we look for ways to excel?
Do our passions seek to be authoritative….or do we trust in good intentions?
John Lubbock reminds us, “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”
Remember, people reflect the attitude and character we demonstrate. Be cautious, because they will also find what they are looking for in us as leaders.
What we look for in others is exactly what they will look for in us. Are we leading with this in mind?
Character is the very substance of leadership. Where there is character, there will always be leadership. John Maxwell claims, “Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.”
Why is it so significant to examine areas regarding leadership character?
As leaders, character is indicated by the actions created from the choices we make. I find it interesting that our choices determine our character and, at the same time, our character determines our choices.
How should character be defined? How does character define our leadership? What happens when our character is flawed or seen as no longer credible?
Think on it.
What image describes good leadership? Based on many leadership discussions, the canvas would be filled with images of character, service, compassion, vision, and more.
The image of character is a wonderful place to begin.
Character is a choice made by each individual. Wayne Dyer said, “Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.” Therefore, when we blend all our choices together, we find a picture of character.
Maybe this explains why Joshua urged Israel to make the choice he made for his family, one of “serving the Lord.” Perhaps, it is the choice we should make also.
Noah never led a large group of people: just his wife, three sons, and their spouses. Take a closer look at his leadership.
Character: “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” Very few in scripture matched his character.
Ability to follow: Noah did all the Lord commanded. Noah followed God. Before anyone can lead they must learn to follow.
Fortitude: He was a preacher of righteousness. His tenure was approximately 120 years. No one was converted, but he never swayed from the course.
These three qualities identify a great biblical leader. The same is true today.
What is essential and what is not? Spiritually speaking, there are many answers: Here are four.
1) Character: General Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy.”
2) Passion: It’s about sacrifice. Knowing what we are willing to give up is essential to our leadership.
3) Vision: Vision is about seeing into the future. Faith is essential to the vision of spiritual leadership.
4) Goals: David Schwartz said, “Goals are as essential to success as air is to life.” Goals are the essential fuel for leading.
These are only four areas that are essential to our leadership.
The eternal optimist sounds like a beautiful description of leadership character. Expecting the best to happen every time is an encouraging consideration, but not as realistic as we would like. One reason is because how the word “best” is defined determines the direction of our optimism.
As spiritual leaders, when we trust that whatever happens in our life is best for this moment, then we begin to look at each situation as an opportunity to learn and grow. This is where positive thinking is born and the results create a far better approach to a life well-lived.
If there is one component needed to characterize a leader, it is desire. Leadership requires the desire to lead, to develop the character necessary to lead.
We tend to do what we want to do. When that desire exists, nothing stands in the way. When we want to do something, we will find a way.
The opposite is also true. When we do not want to do something, it does not matter the consequence(s), or the reward(s), we will not do it.
When we desire to lead as God planned, nothing will stand in the way of our achieving His plan.
Leadership is not a located idea. Leadership is universal in application and is not limited to race, gender, age, or position.
Anyone can lead from anywhere.
We must continually learn from others about leadership. When we learn about the sacrifice, dedication, passion, and attitude of true servant leaders, we should be encouraged to do the same.
They give their lives to prepare others.
They dedicate their time to the work.
They love their people.
They work to serve, not to be served.
The example provided by them demonstrates the character needed for those who learn from them.