Leadership - Crisis in Confidence
There’s a lot of talk these days of a constitutional crisis. The US Constitution has stood the test of time; God willing, it will continue to serve the cause of freedom well. We do, however, have a crisis. We have a crisis of confidence in the leadership of our nation. We see grifters using leadership roles in government, for-profits, and non-profits to selfishly enrich themselves off the backs of the US taxpayer. That is all being exposed. Thank God.
But how did we get here? How is it possible in the post-Enron era where we supposedly have financial integrity and transparency? Apparently, Sarbanes-Oxley can't save us. Doge is revealing to us that it's a wild west of waste in the nonprofit sector and in government. How is it possible (Truman would be rolling over in his grave) that the Pentagon can’t pass an audit? The answer I humbly submit lies in a failure of leadership.
Two questions today for you to ponder on your commute. First, does it even matter? Are there consequences for thumbing our nose at God and taking advantage of the vulnerable and tricking the suckers who will fall for anything? And second, if it is so important then what shall we do?
The Bible says that we can tune our ears to wisdom (Proverbs 2:2). It’s true. It’s also true that God grants us knowledge, understanding, and common sense (Proverbs 2:6-7). Sounds right. I believe that God expects His men and women to seek to grow in character. We must recognize the importance of aiming for godliness (fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable). It is a process of teaching, learning, and practicing what we’ve been taught by godly mentors (Philippians 4).
Jesus says, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45).
Jesus calls out evil. So shall we. Have you ever worked with an evil boss? It's more than exhausting. My aim today is to encourage you to keep on. Be good anyway. And yes, oppose evil men. Everything rises and falls on leadership - and leadership rises and falls on the character of the leader.
We are in a crisis. It’s time for Christian men to recommit to God and challenge each other to grow (in mind, heart, strength, and soul). I’m reminded this morning that God’s word is worth more than gold and rubies. Wise words, alive and powerful words. Yes, avoid fights. And yes wait for the LORD to handle matters. But be ready, willing, and able to go as God directs our steps.
Demand accountability from those who are shirking their responsibility. You are not insane. The hypocrisy and rot in the church are very wrong, but no one hates double standards of every kind as much as our Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s not fool ourselves. If we are blind guides we’ll lead others into oblivion. It does matter that we grow in character. Yet often we sit around telling boring stories rather than working hard. Find a place in the line and fight.
Why? Because the stakes are high. They always have been. The ancient Word says, that “the godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them” (Proverbs 20:7). And, “I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected - even children in the third and fourth generation of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands” (Deuteronomy 5:9-10).
God sees what we see but He sees much more. Yes, wolves and false teachers, out of selfish ambition and greed, use the gifts of God for themselves rather than for God’s priorities. Organizations often talk of ethics, accountability, transparency, and integrity. But the proof is always in the pudding. Never envy wicked men. And remember that avoiding a fight is a mark of honor. We need not quarrel or aim to get even. God will come through and He will bring justice in His timing.
As we recommit to God we are reminded of His blessing for ourselves and our families. How we respond to Jesus impacts not only our leadership qualifications and capabilities - but also our entire family. Thank You, Jesus, for Your grace - and for all of our ancestors who loved You and walked in Your ways. We are reaping the blessing of that commitment now.
Our Father, the mightiest roaring Lion, is gentle with us. He speaks to us in whispers and nudges, subtle yet certain. And sometimes with a growl as is aptly needed. To grow our godly character we must listen and obey the Lion. There is a path that leads to God’s blessing. We, in our God-given volition, can stay on it or stray from it. As Christ’s men and women, we are commanded to stay on it with eyes fixed ahead. If you need motivation think of your wife, children, and grandchildren. God desires for each of us to repent of our sins and to serve Him alone. Jesus promises to grant us His character as we listen and obey His commands to follow His way.
Like losing 30 pounds, there is no quick fix for spiritual development. Leadership character is learned and developed over time. “The gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old” (Proverbs 20:30). We’ve earned these gray hairs by God’s grace. We get up, go to our knees in prayer, open our Bibles with a cup of coffee, exercise, watch what we eat, and grow in self-control daily. We assess. We mark the ways of the demons and we counter their attacks. We carefully and intentionally follow God’s instructions in detail. Over the long haul, we grow in Christ. Sometimes we need a buddy to tell us we are full of it. Good. Find friends that are not blowhards. Find fun-loving and Christ-loving friends who love you for who you are in Christ and who are honest enough to admit they too need to grow in Christ.
Yes, we fall short. We have ups and downs. We’ve got battle scars to prove it. But Jesus is not just fierce, He’s good. He’s with us for the long haul. And He is building our leadership character so that we can do what He has planned for us. We have volition, but God does direct the steps of the godly. Let’s trust God to direct our steps as we recommit to His way alone - to character-building self-discipline, dedication, and determination.
Like Jacob in the OT, sometimes you just gotta call it. Sometimes, you come to the conclusion after consultation with your wife that it’s time to pull up stakes and get outta Dodge (Genesis 31). God sees everything. He knows just what you are going through. It took Jacob 20 years (14 years to get Leah and Rachel and another six for the flocks). I’m 54 and some days feeling a little old. But I’m reminded that my Mom’s Grandpa Meyer homesteaded in Northern Saskatchewan starting at 55. He took the tough country and pioneered in the toughest conditions to help build that nation. He and Grandma Meyer did that for forty years. With God and by His grace we have more land to clear.
Let’s start today by realizing that the consequences are high for ourselves and our families. Let’s know that God wants us to grow in character. Jesus is for us.
Lord Jesus, we need You. We want to be wise and good. We want to be honest and genuine and godly. Men and women of integrity. We recommit today to listen to You and to obey You. Please help us to hear You clearly. Amen.
Comments