Last week we began a discussion on what differentiates effective Christian leaders in the workplace by examining seven behavioral do’s, including diligence, excellence, motivation, integrity, faithfulness, submission, and evangelism.
This week, we continue our examination of effective Christian leaders by considering five behavioral don’ts.
5 Behavioral Don’ts
To be effective Christian leaders, we must not only portray the seven positive behaviors discussed last week, but we must also avoid negative behaviors.
In his book, “Be Successful; Be Spiritual! How to Serve God in The Workplace,” author John Temple identifies five behaviors that undermine the effectiveness of Christian leaders.
1. Stealing
This should be a no-brainer. Thirty-five times the Bible says stealing is wrong, and of course, the admonition against stealing is number eight in God’s top 10!
“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
I hope we all recognize that stealing in the workplace is wrong and that it is more than theft of money and equipment. Stealing in the workplace includes taking home office supplies, padding your expense account, and taking unauthorized time away from work to deal with personal matters.
2. Bribery
While bribes may be standard business practice in certain parts of the world, effective Christian leaders avoid receiving and accepting bribes. Bribes take many forms and include simple things like fancy lunches, golf outings, and the more obvious things like expensive jewelry, cars, and of course, cash.
Whether large or small, anything given or received to influence a decision is a bribe and is to be avoided.
The prophet Amos made a point of condemning the Israelites who were in the habit of taking bribes.
“For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate.” (Amos 5:12)
We need to be leaders like Daniel, who maintained his integrity in the face of significant oppression.
“Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.” (Daniel 6:4)
3. Injustice
Leaders are often called upon to decide, to judge between conflicting viewpoints. It is also not uncommon for leaders to make these decisions based on what benefits them or their friends the most.
God warned the leaders of the Israelites to be careful in the way they judged. They were not to show partiality because of a person’s station in life but were always to judge righteously.
“You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” (Leviticus 19:15)
Solomon, the richest man in the world, wrote that it is far better for the Godly leader to lead righteously, to judge fairly than to gain riches unjustly.
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8)
Effective Christian leaders try to judge issues, situations, and people without partiality.
4. Entitlement
The first line in Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is “It’s not about you!” Unfortunately, there are many folks today who think, “It’s all about me, me, ME!”
Their sense of entitlement drives their behavior. The world and everyone in it exists to bow at their feet in abject servitude.
Jesus issued a stern warning to the disciples as he described people who felt entitled.
“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:46-47)
The apostle Paul issued very practical instruction regarding people who thought others should provide for their needs. He said,
“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Effective Christian leaders know the world does not revolve around them, no one owes them a living, and they exist to serve others and glorify God. In other words, they know, “it’s not about them!”
5. Selfish Ambition
In many cultures and businesses, selfish ambition is rewarded. Employees are told to “look out for number one, put yourself forward, don’t worry about others, let them fend for themselves!”
As Christian leaders, our ambition should be outwardly directed to serve others, not inwardly serving ourselves. Jesus said, “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
James issued a specific and harsh warning to believers against selfish ambition, stating selfish ambition was not from God but was from the devil.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (James 3:14-16)
There is nothing wrong with having ambition if the motive is glorifying God and serving others.
Do’s and Don’ts of Incredibly Effective Christian Leaders
Leadership informed and guided by God’s Word are the hallmarks of every effective Christian leader. The weight of leadership is heavy, and the responsibility is great, but it is what we are called to do.
Our work and leadership are characterized by what we do.
- We are diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities,
- We deliver excellent work as though working for the Lord,
- We are motivated to glorify God in our work,
- We live and work with integrity,
- We are faithful in all that is required of us, and
- We submit to Godly authority.
Our work and leadership are also characterized by what we do not do.
- We do not steal time, resources, or anything else in our work,
- We do not accept or offer any form of bribes,
- We do not judge unjustly,
- We do not feel entitled, and
- We do not act out of selfish ambition.
What differentiates us as Christian leaders from the secular business world is what we stand for and what we stand against!
More Articles
I have written several articles recently on a leader’s character. You can find them by typing “Character” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #444: Is It Important to Follow the Right Leaders?
- #443: The Folly of Wasting God’s Gift of Discernment
- #442: What We Do Matters. Who We Are Matters More!
- #440: If You Are Green with Envy, You Are Ripe for Trouble!
- #435: How Do Good Leaders Exercise Their Authority in The Service of Others?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Are there any of the “do not’s that have given you trouble in your career or your organization?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because of people like you who share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Personal Development | Character
I remember as a young police Lieutenant in Police Management School learning about “servant leadership.” Helping others grow at work, lifting them up, are such powerful things. It’s a win/win because you feel good doing it, and the person you’re helping appreciates it. Thus your biblical quote resonates: “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Your experience is one of the few I have heard of where the topic of servant leadership was actually taught. Almost always servant leadership is a topic a few people hear about/know about and implement as part of their own leadership model. I wish more organizations followed the example you experienced as a young leader! We would all be better off!