Tag: Truth

Substance of Character

Character is foundational to the success of leadership. We know this to be true, but what is the substance of our character.

Psalm 15:2 contributes three key elements: a way of life, work ethic, and manner of speech. Character is defined by three phrases.

We must walk with integrity.
We must work righteousness.
We must speak truth in our heart.

While all three words (integrity, righteousness, and truth) are essential to our character, the idea behind the other three words (walk, work, and speak) is not simply about what we do, but who we are on the inside. Here is where true character begins.

A Question of Leadership

Answering questions can be challenging. Some questions make us very uncomfortable.

How will we answer for our leadership? To whom will we answer?

The truth remains! We are going to lead, the question is where will we lead?

Are we leading others to a better life in this present world, or in relationship to God?

Will others view our leadership as serving others or serving ourselves?

Why are we leading?

Leadership is not intended to be disheartening or discouraging. We are challenged to lead in the greatest arena, with the greatest motive, for the greatest cause.

Where will we lead?

Development

One word leaders need to understand for the success of the church is develop.

The apostles continued to emphasize the need for the church to develop. Prayers expressed requests to help the church develop.

Developing faith and relationship with God is a vital responsibility of leadership. We must do the following:

Lead others to a greater love and understanding of truth.

Assist Christians in an understanding and involvement of their abilities in His service.

Encourage the expression of God’s grace through sharing the love of Christ at the cross.

Provide an example in all the above.

Leadership is about development. Let us get started.

Honest Influence

Although stated in various ways, Mark Twain provides a powerful thought in this statement, “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”

Leaders will influence small and large groups of people. Their influence is going to be measured by the level of honesty perceived.

When leaders are seen as being dishonest, people will not follow.

When leaders are seen as honest, the opposite is true.

Even when it might seem easier to bend the truth, honesty is always the best policy.

The result of this practice has lasting repercussions on our leadership influence.

Suffering Leaders

Research will show the word passion comes from a Latin word meaning “to suffer.”

Most will remember the movie The Passion Of The Christ. The title for the movie was derived from the idea of the Latin word. 

The Leadership Legacy, written by Kouzes and Posner, quickly points out the need for leaders to understand they must serve and suffer.

Leaders must put the needs of others above themselves. This Biblical truth and the quality of great leadership are seen when leaders abandon a self-seeking, worldly approach.

Be passionate, but understand what passion really means.

Integrity

Integrity is more than honesty. It involves strong moral principles, a moral uprightness, wholeness.

There is an incorruptible nature to a spiritual leader who demonstrates integrity. They take responsibility for who they are and what they do.

Integrity displays an undivided and unshakeable character of Biblical soundness. This character exudes humility and follows a path of consistency.

Integrity is best taught to children at a young age. Leadership must exemplify integrity.

Integrity stands for, speaks, and lives truth. It will not change, even if one stands alone.

Christians are who we are “in the dark.” Think about it!

Authorized Personnel Only

Nearly everywhere we look we see signs with the disclosure “Authorized Personnel Only.” Who are these people? Would we recognize them if they walked by us?

We may not know them specifically, but we do know if we are authorized or not.

If Jesus has been given “all” authority, then only those given authority by Him may enter. Is this not what Jesus proclaimed? “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Our job is to lead others to Him, because He alone grants entrance into the eternal home. How are we doing at our job?

Style or Principle?

Thomas Jefferson once said, “In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

Spiritual leaders face challenges every day. There are personality conflicts, trivial matters, life changing decisions, and numerous other areas that weigh heavy on the hearts of those who lead.

There are times when leaders must be flexible. However, other times require a determined stance for what is right.

Jefferson provided a good “rule-of-thumb”. In spiritual language perhaps we could say it this way, “In matters of opinion, go along and get along. In matters of truth, stand strong.”

Questions

Are your goals self-serving, or do you strive for what is best eternally?

Do your decisions provide an advantage to your career and future, or better equip someone else?

Are you driven by an agenda, or a simplistic and pure love for the betterment of God’s kingdom?

When you study, do you strive to learn the truth or find a way to justify your position?

I wish it was easier, but it isn’t. Personally, I do not like answering these questions, but it must be done.

We must examine ourselves honestly, admit mistakes, act Christ-like, and pray for God’s strength to do what is right.

Moment of Truth

Not during times of comfort does the conviction of truth become critical, but when difficulties press in on the well-being of leaders.

The moment of truth is not measured by what a leader hopes, desires, or thinks is needed.

The moment of truth is measured by what a leader does, the stand they take, and the demonstration of character when it is not popular with the majority.

The time comes in the life of every person when they must decide how they are going to act or react to the circumstances before them.

In that moment, the decision that is made determines the effectiveness of each leader.