No matter the field, leadership is a function of initiative and influence. The leader sees a problem or opportunity, takes the initiative, and then influences others to take a specific course of action.
In his book, Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership, author D.N. Howell, Jr. says,
“Whether the exercise of such leadership is constructive or unhealthy depends on the leader’s character, motive(s) and agenda.”
So, the determining factor of whether leadership is constructive or destructive is the leader’s character, motive, and agenda.
The Differentiated Biblical Leader
Taken together, these three elements form the foundation of all leadership.
What differentiates a Biblical leader from everyone else is the type of character, motives, and agenda! For a leader to be a Biblical leader, they must align with God’s priorities. Therefore, they must have Godly character, Godly motives, and a Godly agenda.
The focus on God differentiates the Biblical leader from everyone else!
Character
Our character is the sum of the moral qualities that make us distinct. The way we think, feel, and behave all reflect our character. Throughout scripture, references to a man’s character are almost always described as stemming from the heart.
Writing to Timothy, his young protégé, Paul profiled a man with Godly character. saying
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
Motives
Why we do what we do as leaders matters as much as what we do as leaders. Do our leadership actions stem from a heart submitted to and serving God, or are our motives selfish, serving our own interests?
The writer of Hebrews makes it very clear that God discerns our thoughts and intentions and judges us accordingly.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Agenda
Biblical leaders have open, honest agendas that align with God’s priorities.
No hidden agendas allowed!
Leaders who lie to get what they want, pretend to share common interests, or are focused on what they want/need are nearly always pursuing a selfish, hidden agenda—not a Godly one!
Writing to the Philippians, Paul said,
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
The End Goal
At the end of the day, Christian leaders must be Biblical leaders—those whose priorities align with God’s priorities.
Having Godly character, Godly motives, and a Godly agenda differentiates us as Christian leaders in the marketplace. These attributes set us apart as we fulfill Jesus’ command to be a light to the world that draws others to the Father (Matthew 5:14).
More Articles
I have written several articles on a leader’s qualifications. You can find them by typing “Leader Qualifications” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #438: 4 Essential Traits That Make or Break an Effective Leader
- #433: What Traits Are Essential for Godly Leadership?
- #391: Not All Effective Employees Make Effective Leaders
- #379: Our Leadership Legacy Includes our Strengths and Weaknesses!
- #353: Is Your Ability to Influence Tied to Your Influenceability?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Is it challenging to be a differentiated Biblical leader in today’s business world? If so, why?
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Category: Personal Development | Leader Qualifications
This is a comprehensive look at key personal traits: character, motives and agenda. It shows the biblical foundations. This wisdom for leaders helps us to servant leadership who are open and transparent. We can think about these things as leaders of Jesus news, both at home and in the workplace. Thank you Ron for the insight.
The more I study elements of good and bad leaders the more I come back to the differentiating factors of character, motives, and agenda. Leaders are measured by whether they are Godly or secular based on these three key factors.
I like the last line of your article, Ron: “These attributes set us apart as we fulfill Jesus’ command to be a light to the world that draws others to the Father (Matthew 5:14).” Imagine if more leaders weighed their character, motives, and agendas against the light they are spreading (or not) in the world. We’d definitely be further along than we are now.
Thanks, John! Yes, character, motives, and agenda separate us as Christians from the secular world. I used to gauge the effectiveness of leaders simply by their results, but these days I look more at HOW those results are achieved!