stand up for what they believe, even if they have to stand alone, because we can have confidence in such people.
Dangers of Unprincipled Leadership
There seems to be a deep desire in the unregenerate spirit of humanity—that which has not been reconciled to the Creator and is not being guided by His Spirit for leadership—to dominate others and to use power for other selfish purposes.
History is full of case studies of people who rose to powerful leadership positions through both legitimate and illegitimate means and then began to expose the dark motives of their hearts. Their immoral motives resulted in the suffering, abuse, and destruction of many innocent lives.
Adolf Hitler came to office promising the German people a return to their former glory as a nation. Yet, once he was führer, his distorted values and desire for self-glorification grew increasingly clear as he persecuted Germany’s citizens for his own selfish purposes, instigated the Second World War, and ordered or caused the killing of millions.
The leaders of the Russian Revolution promised equality for all citizens, but the aftermath under the Soviet Union was decades of oppression of its people and a waste of generations of potential.
William Shakespeare had remarkable insight into human nature and the dangers of a lust for power. In his play Richard III, he depicted a jealous and self-absorbed man who would go to any lengths in order to be king and gain power—even to the
point of murdering a number of people, including his wife and two young nephews who were before him in succession to the throne. Even more tragic is Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, in which the title character, who was once a noble and honest man, becomes corrupted by a lust for power, urged on by the selfish ambitions of his wife.
In every area of life—government, business, religion, media, education, and so forth—there are people who aspire to positions of leadership and influence motivated by selfish ambitions. They may not go to the extreme of persecuting or murdering people, but their selfish ambition causes other types of human and social destruction.
How might tax-paying citizens be better off if various corporate leaders had not participated in financial impropriety? How would the lives of these executives, their families, and their employees be different? How might the financial markets be different today?
How might the lives of people from certain drought-stricken nations been different if their leaders hadn’t lined their pockets with foreign aid rather than giving it to those who needed it?
How might the lives of people in nations torn by civil war be different if their leaders and other instigators had pursued constructive solutions to political and ethnic differences instead of
promoting the annihilation of those who are different from them?
How might the lives and health of many young people be different if they had not been encouraged to experiment with drugs by those seeking monetary gain while ignoring the loss of life and personal potential?
How might the integrity of baseball and other sports be stronger today if athletes had refused to be tempted by or pressured to take steroids or participate in illegal gambling?
How might the families and constituents of politicians who have fallen because of sexual and financial scandals be living happier and more secure lives—instead of feeling ashamed and betrayed—if the politicians had lived lives of integrity?
How might the social fabric be different today if many law firms did not promote spurious lawsuits and greed on behalf of their clients?
How might the faith of parishioners be stronger and more vital if their spiritual leaders hadn’t violated their trust by being involved in extramarital affairs, molestation, or the misuse of funds?
How might the emotional mind-set of many children be healthier today if their parents had thought more about them than their own selfish pursuits?
How might the lives of millions of individuals be free from guilt, depression, and even disease if they had decided not to compromise their standards for temporary pleasure or gain?
No matter what realm of life we may discuss, principles and values are all-important with regard to quality of life—for both the leader and those whom he influences and affects. True leadership cannot be divorced from the basic qualities that produce good, sound character. Leadership involves the total person and therefore cannot be relegated to a “professional compartment” of our lives. There are many who insist that their personal lives should not be linked with their professional positions as leaders, and that their activities and behaviors outside their leadership roles have no bearing on their ability to perform. This grave error has accounted for the tragic downfall of many great men and women who attempted to violate this principle of the integration of the complete self in leadership.
Because leadership is a matter of inspiration based on character, you must study and embrace the qualities that make for strong character if you are going to exercise the capacity of quality leadership that the world needs today. Trust is not a gift or a talent but a product of time-tested character forged in the midst of life’s trials. A time-tested life is the raw material of
character and trust.
Leaders develop the characteristics that qualify them for a distinguished place of trustworthiness. If you want to become the leader you have the potential to become, you must commit to strong principles and values.
The Overarching Principles of Love and Service Effective leadership does not come as a result of an ambition to lead or to be great but from a deep desire to serve others. In teaching His disciples about leadership, Jesus emphasized the overarching principle of service:
When [Jesus] was in the house, he asked [His disciples],
“What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”(Mark 9:33–35)
Jesus called [His disciples] together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(Matthew 20:25–28)
In God’s kingdom, leadership doesn’t come to anyone who is trying to be the big shot or who is doing things just to be
seen. It comes to those who serve others, putting their needs first. Paul echoed this truth when he wrote, “Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command:
‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:13–14). If we truly love others, we will treat them as we would want to be treated. Love and service go together. Love is the highest law and principle of a leader: “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right” (James 2:8).
Leadership Values
Paul outlined for his leader-in-training, Timothy, many of the values that are needed for true leadership. In every field of leadership, these values are essential requirements.
If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders.(1 Timothy 3:1–7)
During the race for the presidency of the United States in
1992, the candidates—Bill Clinton, governor of Arkansas and George H. W. Bush, the incumbent president—were engaged in an intense battle over issues of personal character and morals. Many considered these issues to be less important than political and governing abilities. However, it is evident from the above passage that biblical qualifications for leadership include all aspects of an individual’s character.
These qualities not only characterize effective leaders, but they also serve as signs of progress for any society. I have grouped these qualities into leadership values.
The Value of Faithfulness Faithfulness is a virtue of character that applies to all aspects of leadership. Each of us has talents, but we must be faithful to use them. You might have potential as a piano player, but if you don’t make time to practice, your talent will not serve you well. Similarly, being a talented leader isn’t enough; you must also be faithful to develop the character of leadership.
A man or woman’s faithfulness in leadership will always be proven in his or her marriage relationship. We call people who break their marriage vows “unfaithful.” In our church, engaged couples go through an entire year of premarital counseling.
One of the principles I teach is that the Bible plainly tells men they should enjoy the “wife of their youth,” even in old age.
(See Proverbs 5:18; Malachi 2:13–16.) The Creator’s original and best plan for human beings is one husband for one wife and fidelity within that relationship.
One aspect of faithfulness is that your word can be trusted.
An unfaithful partner is someone who breaks his or her word.
When a couple gets married, words make the marriage legal—
words such as “I do” or “I will.” A marriage contract is signed with words: the couple’s names. If you break your promise of faithfulness to your spouse, it reflects on your capacity to be faithful in a position of leadership. A leader must set a high standard in his or her marital relationship and commit to faithfulness.
The Value of Self-Control
Whenever you are placed in a position of leadership, you automatically become a target of temptation. If a thousand people are gathered together and one person is put above the crowd, he becomes an easier target than if he were still in the crowd. In other words, when you become a leader, you are usually in a highly visible position, and you become attractive to many interests. Why do leaders have to fight against the temptations of lust, bribery, financial greed, and gluttony? It is because their positions make them vulnerable. Yet they are responsible for resisting these temptations.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;
and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived.(James 1:12–16)
While external temptations will inevitably come, the leader must call upon his inner strength and commitment to withstand them. That strength includes the encouragement and power of God’s Spirit, who lives within him. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Inner strength also refers to the leader’s fortitude, which he has established ahead of time by setting standards that he is committed to
maintaining, regardless of the circumstances.
Many people fall under every new temptation, whether it is lust, greed, fear, or something else. They have no control or integrity to safeguard themselves and to give themselves a clear perspective. Some people sacrifice their principles for personal gain or fame. If you want to be a leader but cannot control your passions, wait a while before accepting a leadership position. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who will maintain their integrity and will not fall into temptation’s trap and subsequently into disgrace. Be forewarned that traps will be set to entangle you, now and in the future.
Let me ask you: Are you conscious of your weaknesses?
Some of you may think you will evade temptation, but beware
—traps are being set for you, too. “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians
10:12). If you desire to be a leader, look for these traps. They are all around you. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8–9).
Watch over your heart diligently. (See Proverbs 4:23 nasb.) The Value of Steadiness
Learning self-control enables a leader to fulfill the value of steadiness or temperateness. James, a leader in the first-century church, encouraged the recipients of his teachings,
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”
(James 1:19). If you are steadfast, it means you respond with calmness and gentleness the first time, the second time, and the ninetieth time. You don’t interrupt people, assume you know what they are going to say, or fly off the handle. You value the worth and dignity of those around you.
How do you react when people say something unexpected or when situations don’t go as you would like? Are you able to respond in a constructive way? When a problem or crisis occurs, are you able to think though your options calmly and positively? Can you maintain the confidence of those looking to you for leadership? This kind of steadiness is a much-needed trait among leaders today. The book of Proverbs warns us, “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.…An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins”
(Proverbs 29:20, 22).
The Value of Integrity toward Those Served Learning to withstand temptation also helps a leader to uphold the value of integrity toward those he serves and influences. Paul stated that one who aspires to become a leader must have a good reputation in all circles. In essence, a leader develops a character that is not open to attack or censure because it is above reproach. He strengthens and builds up his community through his ethical example and his trustworthy contributions.
In addition, Paul said that a leader is hospitable. He is generous and open toward those around him and is willing to work for and with others for their good. He does not pursue his vision only for what he will get out of it but for how it will help his family, community, and nation.
The Value of Responsible Communication Paul said that a leader is able to teach. This ability to teach will take different forms depending on one’s field of leadership.
However, those who are able to teach have certain qualities.
First, they study the areas of life related to their visions, learning what they need to carry them out effectively. Second, they seek understanding from the knowledge they collect so they can put it into perspective and gain wisdom in how to apply it. Third, they are able to communicate their knowledge and wisdom to others who are involved in their visions, whether directly or tangentially, and who need the information and wisdom to fulfill their roles in the visions. All three of these
areas are the responsibility of a leader.
The Value of Personal Integrity Leaders in all walks of life must demonstrate their
commitment to the highest ideals and principles of the Word of God, never compromising the standards of truth and honesty.
We have already looked at the areas of faithfulness and resisting temptation, but there is a whole range of issues and circumstances in which integrity is needed in a leader. The more familiar you are with God’s Word, the more you will be able to recognize pitfalls to your integrity and seek to maintain values consistent with the nature of the Creator.
The Value of Maturity
The value of maturity may be seen in the qualities of responsibleness and humility.
Responsibleness
Many people are well-meaning and desire to serve as leaders, but it is those who are faithful to what they have been given who are ushered into leadership. It’s easier to get excited about a vision than it is to remain faithful to it. As we have seen, faithfulness in the little things is the qualification for promotion to bigger things: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.…And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” (Luke 16:10, 12).
Faithfulness in caring for and using what we have been given is a quality of maturity. Leaders love responsibility. Do you welcome responsibility? Even if someone says to you, “I’d like you to vacuum the rug in the lobby,” accept the task as a road to leadership. Think of yourself as the leader over the vacuum cleaner with a responsibility toward God. God is watching to see just how well you perform in this area. If you are lazy and clean only the most visible part of the rug near the front doors but leave the rest dirty, God will take note. He will conclude, “You are halfhearted.” Do you think He will give you greater responsibility?
Some people are afraid of a little responsibility. They pray that their supervisors, pastors, community leaders, or parents won’t ask them to do anything: Oh, Lord, don’t let her ask me to take charge of that project. Don’t let him ask me to clean the church. Don’t let her ask me to help with those preparations.
Don’t let them ask me to take care of that person.
Leadership is fostered in the individual who believes that within him lies the potential to face and handle any task. He is not afraid to make decisions or to accept the consequences of those decisions. This is the exercise of responsibility.
God will use people who are excited about responsibility, who welcome it with willing hearts. They ask, “Can I help with anything? Can I do anything else?” That’s the kind of person I like to have around me.
I have a friend named Leroy who is a man of God. The Lord
uses him to minister to me in ways that nobody knows. Leroy is always asking, “Is there anything else I can do?” There’s always something to do, but there are people who will avoid me because they don’t want to work. Yet when God wants to do something great, they’re the first ones who want to go along.
Imagine the Lord saying, “You know, I’ve been watching you for twelve months, and when the work gets hard, you’re the first one to go home. I’ll use someone else who’s willing to work.” If you’re going to be lazy, be lazy by yourself where nobody else can be influenced by you!
In Genesis, we find the account of Joseph. (See Genesis 30:23–50:26.) Despite devastating trials and opposition, he remained faithful and was diligent in exercising responsibility.
He was a self-starter who took on responsibility unasked, and he did not turn it down when it was offered to him. When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream by a revelation from God, the ruler said, in effect, “I want you to take charge of my house, my servants, and the land, economy, and social work of my country. You are in charge.” Did Joseph answer, “But I’ve never studied social work, I don’t know anything about economics, and I don’t have any experience in politics”? No.
Instead, he asked, “When do you want me to start?” The Bible says that Joseph took a chariot and went throughout the land checking out his new responsibilities. (See Genesis 41:39–46.) What do you do when you are given responsibility? Do you say, “They are always picking on me and asking me to do something,” or “I’m afraid to try something new”? There are two reasons why a leader will pick you: (1) you’re lazy, and he