Purity of Purpose

Proverbs 20:9 (NLT) Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?

Integrity. A word much used by leaders. Means wholeness. Purity. God is holy – whole - pure.
The power of positive leadership is found purity. Purity is a constant struggle - especially in the little things that are woven in the fabric of the life of any of us who would lead.

Leadership involves getting along with many people. Some you want to get along. And then there are the “others.” You want your employees and customers to forgive you when you make a mistake – and you will make mistakes - you will be forgiven in the same measure you forgive those around you.

You want good relationships with your business peers – your business “neighbors?” Those relationships flow from a pure heart toward them, even (maybe especially) those who don’t treat you well - those who make promises to the market they never keep and you are painted with the brush of their hypocrisy because of your friendship. It angers you; however, you cannot hate your business brother and say you love God.

I’m reminded of the story of da Vinci who, when painting The Last Supper, had a bitter argument with a friend that ended in angry words. Later that day, da Vinci went to add paint to the face of Jesus and could not. He realized his painting was not being produced by pureness of heart. He put down his brush and searched until he found his friend and asked forgiveness for his anger. Only then was he able to paint.

Purity of heart demands of us leaders a daily dedication to allowing our Creator to cleanse us and thereby reaffirm our purpose to be stewards of the time, talents and treasure He has given us. Effective leaders are good stewards.

“Create in me a clean heart O God…” is not just a prayer for the so-called “big” sins – it is the daily prayer of a leader for every sin.

Leadership is a daily thing. Are you committed – each and every day?

Copyright (c) 2010 by P. Griffith Lindell