“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20 NASB).
We must ask ourselves what guides our thoughts and behaviors when working with — or rather serving — those God has called us to. Whether it is leading the junior department at your local church, or as the president of the North American Division, you must consider what it is that guides your heart and mind.
Having an internalized moral perspective in your leadership is the fourth and final tenant of the Authentic Leadership theory. What does having an internal moral perspective mean? In essence, this means you are guided by values and standards derived from your core set of beliefs. The result of this is ethical decision making and behavior.
As Christian leaders, we of course must be guided by what we have read and know about God and His character. Are we “seeking first the Kingdom of God” in what guides our decisions and actions as leaders?
Pillar #4
Once when I was a poor student in college, I was paying a bill at a restaurant and handed the clerk a $10 bill. She then began to give me change as if I had given her a $20 bill. Now, did I have to ask myself the question, “What should I do now?” Did I need to contemplate if this was somehow God’s way of taking care of a poor starving student? No, there was nothing to think about. God’s Word says, “Thou shalt not steal,” so I had to tell her what just happened. She was very surprised I did, but thankful.
Have you ever worked with or around people who have little or no moral compass that guides their actions? I believe we all have this experience one time or another. We have been around people who are unkind or abusive to those who should be receiving the most care. We have seen or heard of people who cheat, steal and lie to get ahead. Sometimes it seems like these people are the ones getting ahead and having all the benefits that come with the money and power they have obtained. The truth is, however, they are not winning. They are not the ones who are receiving the greatest rewards.
Study after study shows those who operate with a strong moral compass live longer, have a healthier sense of identity and self worth, are happier, have more inner peace, build stronger and better relationships, and yes, in the end, make better leaders and have greater success than those who are not guided by moral principles.
What are your core beliefs? Do they include things like honesty, humility, accountability, reliability, loyalty, kindness, thoughtfulness, trustworthiness, gentleness, faithfulness and patience? Please notice that most of the fruits of the Spirit are in the list I just gave. Everyday I rehearse them in my mind and pray I can be a leader who exhibits them. I can tell you I have missed the mark more than you can imagine. Every time I have led when I’ve stepped away from my moral compass, I have lost, and worst yet, somebody the Lord has put in my path to serve is usually hurt.
God has called all of us to be authentic leaders—leaders who know themselves, are transparent and genuine, who put in place fair and balanced processes, and leaders who are guided by an internal set of moral core beliefs. If all of us commit ourselves to being authentic leaders for our Savior, there is no limit to what we can accomplish being guided and sustained by our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
