On Character in Christian Leadership

It is your great duty, and tied on you by many obligations, that you be exemplary in your lives, and be patterns and precedents to your flocks; lest it be said unto you, “Why takest thou My law into they mouth seeing thou hatest to be reformed thereby?” He that lives an idle (ungodly) life, may preach with truth and reason, or did the Pharisees; but not as Christ, or as one having authority.

Jeremy Taylor

Christian leaders should not be known for lives marked by false teaching, double-facedness, dishonesty, sycophancy, hatred, ingratitude, selfishness, vindictiveness, greediness, pride, power-mongering, divisiveness, racism, tribalism, ethnocentrism, and malice. Living a life of ungodliness while preaching sound evangelical sermons is pure hypocrisy!

As a minister of the gospel do not tell lies, hold grudges, deceive or betray your brothers or sisters in Christ and people who trust you simply because you want to curry favor with some people of your superiors so you can get some benefits such as preferment, promotion, recognition, transfer to a better church, or election to become a Bishop or Apostle or Chairman of your group or community. Avoid Christians who are willing to kill, undermine, or destroy the reputation of anyone they consider an obstacle on their path to fulfilling their lust for power and position in the Church.

Sin hinders the power of God and our witness in the world. The Lord wants us to get rid of such sinfulness in our lives and live in holiness of life so that the Holy Spirit can use us to do great things in our communities. The current penchant, amongst many Christian leaders, for power, control, command, and ostentation is self-destructive and besmirches the gospel and the church’s witness. The following wise words from Archbishop Ben Kwashi must not be ignored by any Christian leader who wants to finish well. Here it is:

The longest and the most tortuous road in life begins with the choice of cutting corners, rejection of honest paths, refusing to humbly learn from godly models, arrogance, and love for dishonesty.

As a Christian leader, learn to be Christ-centered, biblically-oriented, kind, truthful, trustworthy, gracious, prayerful, forgiving, dependable, disciplined, patient, humble, wise, gentle, respectful, principled, compassionate, and committed to doing what is right even if you have to stand alone. Some people you trusted and in whom you invested energy, favors, and time will disappoint or betray you but the Lord will not disappoint you. Leave them to the Lord because whatever seed anyone sows that is what he will reap in due time. But keep your eyes on the Sovereign Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who saves us and enables us to live and lead with joy, holy fear, godliness, righteousness, and gospel-confidence. He is with you and he will honor his Word and purpose in your life.

Let me conclude with a word from another Caroline Divine, George Herbert, “The Country Parson (minister) is exceedingly exact in his life, being holy, just, prudent, temperate, bold, grave in all his ways.” Hebert identified three major areas the parson must take heed, “Patience in regard to afflictions; mortification in regard to lusts and affections, and stupefying and deadening of all the clamorous powers of the soul; and thirdly in keeping his word as an honest man.” He adds, “the parson’s yea is yea and nay; and his apparel plan and reverend, and clean, without spots, or dust or smell; the purity of his mind breaking out, and dilating itself even to his body, clothes and habitation.”

May the Lord enable us to lead well till the very end for His glory alone. Amen