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.
There are no guarantees tomorrow will come.
We understand this thought, but what we do today will make a difference if tomorrow’s sun rises.
So, what are we doing to make preparation?
1) Seek God’s guidance with the right priorities.
2) Pursue what is important, not always urgent.
3) Never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
4) Do something nice for someone who will never find out.
5) Be the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
If we would follow these each day, regardless of what may or may not come tomorrow, we will have a full life.
Studying God’s word can produce challenging thoughts that should be reflected in how we live out what we believe and see taught in it.
If we know that God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and the receptivity is higher, then why are we not making greater efforts to lead those who are the most unlikely to the Lord?
Do we exert our efforts to teach those who seemingly feel as if they do not need God because of their affluence?
Should we not spend more effort leading those who have little or nothing in this life to a greater understanding of what God has prepared in the next?
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.
Matthew was a tax collector and hated by the Jews. Tax collectors were not seen as an example to follow.
However, Matthew was an apostle called by Jesus, but what made him different? Consider two reasons.
Committed: The text is explicit: When called by Jesus, Matthew immediately left everything behind to follow. He walked away from security and wealth.
Compassionate: Matthew hosted a great feast for Jesus. He invited what the Pharisees called “tax collectors and sinners.” Matthew wanted all his friends to hear about Jesus.
Not a great deal is known about Matthew, but these two areas make him stand out as an example.
There is a difference between helping and enabling. There is also a difference in how we perceive helping and the reality of our actions.
Remember the proverb: Give someone a fish and feed them for a day or teach them how to fish and feed them for life. Which one is really helping?
Our leadership needs to be based on the same idea. When we strive to help someone, it should be considered beyond the temporary need of the moment.
Let us lead with the conviction of helping others long term, perhaps eternally. Here is where the legacy of our leadership will be determined.
God’s people have always been charged with caring for the poor, widows, and orphans. More than 2,000 verses in the Bible touch on this subject, none more powerfully than James, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
We’ve not done a good job. Somehow, we need to consider how we are going to care for these needs.
We must not excuse ourselves by allowing other organizations to assume this responsibility.
It is time for spiritual leaders to take the lead regarding God’s justice.
Years ago, I was reminded of a powerful thought, “Never make a promise you can’t keep.”
I realize circumstances can prevent us from keeping a promise. However, this is not my point.
The point is to be careful and thoughtful before speaking.
Jesus noted the need to be careful about our words. Yes needs to mean yes and no, no. When we say we will do something, then do it. Nothing is more frustrating than when someone says, “I’ll call you right back,” and then they never do.
Be a leader who is bound to their word. Never make a promise you can’t keep!