It’s Not About Adequacy: It Is About Attitude

CONTROL YOURSELF - Integration * Proficiencies * Behaviors

Proverbs 11:2 (AMP) When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.

The Amplified Version gives real insight into the processes that may lead to humility – note the “may.” Some going through these pruning processes or the pounding of the chisel working on their character respond with bitterness and pride. I know. Been there myself.

Apostle Peter was there: remember in the courtyard when his pride, expressed in the Upper Room, (“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”) stood in the way of his behavior? Why? As Lloyd Ogilvie points out “Peter had built his relationship with Jesus Christ on his assumed capacity to be adequate.” Pride.

Authentic leaders display a humble heart because they are grounded in the God who does not change and are centered in His love for them that does not result from some quid pro quo behaviors –“if I do this and that God will love me.”

Are you living and leading (behaving) to gain His love or because of His love?


Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Walking Like a Leader

Proverbs 30:29-31 (AMP) There are three things which are stately in step, yes, four which are stately in their stride: The lion, which is mightiest among beasts and turns not back before any; the war horse [well-knit in the loins], the male goat also, and the king [when his army is with him and] against whom there is no uprising.


My mind is filled with scenes from Hollywood trying to depict what Agur, the author of this observation depicted – and sometimes they capture a whiff of this kind of stateliness.

I have been fortunate to know some who fit this mold, and the room does really “hush” when they enter.

The leader who know his/her purpose, has articulated their values, has a firm grip on their mental model of the world (worldview), and have a dominating perspective of a humble heart and an open mind (to the input from others) have shown themselves to be innovative,. These folks are stately to their followers. They are the kind of leaders whose “troops are with” them and against whom “there is no uprising.”

Jesus Christ, had that same effect on people – and Christian leaders are called to be Christ-like.

How’s your walk as a leader?


Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell