One thing we cannot forget as we lead is that the character of a leader matters. What is character? Britannica Dictionary defines character as the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves. We can take it a step further and say character extends to the moments when no one is watching.
Why does character matter? Character matters because it’s who we are at our core. It’s what we do, how we do it, and what we think.
Imagine having a leader who thinks deplorable things, says deplorable things, and treats people in a deplorable way. Would you say this leader has good leadership character?
I wouldn’t.
Know what else wouldn’t? I believe the Bible would say a leader with poor character isn’t a great leader.
Don’t believe me? Here are five Biblical reminders about leadership character.
Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
This brief scripture tells people to look at their leaders. Even remember them. But then it takes it one step further. The people who follow you are to consider the outcome of the life of a leader.
Why is this important? Because a leader may be great with words, have a ton of followers or influence, and make a difference, you shouldn’t imitate that leader if their life isn’t worth imitating.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
I believe this should be the life verse of all Christian leaders. Why? Because this verse tells us what our heart should be.
Great leaders are imitators of Christ. They know they can’t lead well without the true example of leadership.
As you lead, consider whether or not your actions embody Christ. If they don’t, you have to change your ways and begin leading like Christ.
Proverbs 10:9:
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
We’ve seen many leaders and organizations crumble because the leader took a crooked path. Think of Enron, Ravi Zacharias, and other leaders or organizations that have failed or been found out.
Our focus needs to be on walking in integrity. To be above reproach. To follow the straight path.
Our integrity is a sign of our character. Live an integrous life.
Titus 1:8:
Rather, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
What does good character look like? I think Titus 1:8 has a good grasp of good character.
Leaders with good character will:
- Love good
- Be self-controlled
- Be upright
- Be holy
- Be disciplined
Wouldn’t you say people with good character have these traits? I think so.
Let’s begin to practice these good characteristics in our lives. Let’s implement them into the way we lead.
Titus 2:7-8:
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Here’s another banger from the book of Titus. Read the scripture above. Think about how it applies to your leadership.
Could we say, “In your leadership, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.”? Imagine if more leaders lead with this thought or question in their minds.
It would change the way many people lead. They would have to consider whether or not they have integrity. They would have to consider the soundness of their speech. They would have to wonder if anything they said or did could be condemned.
The Bible Says A Lot About Leadership Character
That’s right. The Bible can help us understand how character relates to leadership. To our lives in general.
As you go about your day, reflect on these five scripture verses. Weigh your actions and thoughts against them.
How do your thoughts and actions align with this call to holy leadership character?
