The Heart of a Leader

Luke 20:46-47 (ESV) “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, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

It only takes a quick glance to recognize how much impact a leader can have. Whether good or bad, every movement, every nation, every human organization can trace its roots to a leader who was able to get others to work together to achieve something. It is tempting to evaluate leaders based on their outward achievements: the size or growth of their organization, their fame, or their lasting impact on others. Organizations usually create structures that give roles and titles for other leaders to rise to the surface. The Bible rightly calls on followers to show honor and respect to those who hold such positions (see I Corinthians 16:16, I Thessalonians 5:12, I Timothy 5:17, I Peter 5:5). Yet, those positions and the honor they engender come with a huge risk: the temptation to pursue positions of leadership for the honor they bring.

I have seen many people start into ministry and other areas of leadership with a sincere, humble heart focused on nothing more than serving Jesus and his people. In my role as professor and dean, I have the incredible joy of spending time with dozens of young leaders with passion to lead with pure hearts nearly every day. I also have the privilege of partnering with many later in life who have maintained the proper heart, even sacrificing wealth and fame to fulfill their calling. Yet, I have also seen far too many start with the right motives and character gradually get seduced by the pursuit of honor. (The Greek word timao includes financial honor as well as public and verbal recognition.) The challenge is to keep the right motivation even when the honor that comes is deserved.

The leaders’ primary role is to serve those in their care, not to seek their own glory (see Matt 23:11-12). When we stop passionately pursuing serving God and others and instead start seeking our own honor – whether titles, wealth, or accolades – instead of the honor we seek we ultimately, and justly, get the greater condemnation. Let’s lead well for the right reasons.