Proverbs 15:25 (MSG) God smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing.
Because of my recent involvement with The Truth Project, I have had many interesting conversations with people about “the Christian worldview” and its impact on how one views leading. We have talked about many kind of leaders – some good, some bad (gangs have leaders!) some packaged (all wrapped up in themselves that they have to be “handled). Some authentic. All are on the point. Exposed. Leading.
Leaders are out in front – in more ways than one. Being in that position often brings “standing” and “standing” has a way of deluding us. We (at least, I know I do) like the adulation that comes from being in front – it’s fun. Provides energy. Generates ideas. Inspires. Deludes. Delusions (of any kind) have their source in “the lie” and therein is the fuel for a cosmic battle. Do we as leaders depend on our own power, strength, intellect, charm and ability to motivate or do we depend on the Creator who wired us with a set of skills and abilities that attract followers.
I am becoming convinced that leadership that matters (eternally – and isn’t that the only that really matters?) finds it roots in humility – the recognition that others are more important than we. That any standing we have comes because God has given us a platform that is to be used for His glory, not ours.
What are you standing upon?
Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monday, October 04, 2010
Foundations of Leadership
Proverbs 5:1-2 (NIV) My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
A battle rages in our culture. Truth (with a capital “T”) and “the lie” are at war.
When working with people about leadership foundations, it is interesting to see how the culture is “taking ground” in this battle, even in the “Christian” community. We have not done well in understanding the ramifications of this war. We have ceded territory needlessly. It’s time to stop.
As I have written before, to whom you look for wisdom determines – well, everything. Are we, like Solomon? Solomon never assumed that truth was relative and that morality was a function of personal choice.
When wrestling with your personal purpose and your ethical framework (as R.C. Sproul points out, “Ethics is about ought to be and morality is about ‘what is’ ”) our worldview is critical. Does Truth have an absolute foundation? Or has our ethical system morphed to reflect polling – a 51% determination of the will of the people within a given group, culture or system. Might makes right. Right? Wrong.
The Apostle Paul said about Christ; "for in him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" and that is Truth with the capital “T.” Not might. Right.
The predicate of this principle is not only that your view of others will not be self-serving (maintain discretion), but also what you say builds the continuity of useful knowledge based on the absolutes of Truth. Leadership that honors others and builds a legacy – it begins at this source.
Do you “pay more attention” to God or man?”
Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell
A battle rages in our culture. Truth (with a capital “T”) and “the lie” are at war.
When working with people about leadership foundations, it is interesting to see how the culture is “taking ground” in this battle, even in the “Christian” community. We have not done well in understanding the ramifications of this war. We have ceded territory needlessly. It’s time to stop.
As I have written before, to whom you look for wisdom determines – well, everything. Are we, like Solomon? Solomon never assumed that truth was relative and that morality was a function of personal choice.
When wrestling with your personal purpose and your ethical framework (as R.C. Sproul points out, “Ethics is about ought to be and morality is about ‘what is’ ”) our worldview is critical. Does Truth have an absolute foundation? Or has our ethical system morphed to reflect polling – a 51% determination of the will of the people within a given group, culture or system. Might makes right. Right? Wrong.
The Apostle Paul said about Christ; "for in him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" and that is Truth with the capital “T.” Not might. Right.
The predicate of this principle is not only that your view of others will not be self-serving (maintain discretion), but also what you say builds the continuity of useful knowledge based on the absolutes of Truth. Leadership that honors others and builds a legacy – it begins at this source.
Do you “pay more attention” to God or man?”
Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell
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