Leaders do this and leaders do that. The description of what leaders do is the focus of most books, blogs and biographies about the development of a leader.
Samuel’s decision to select David to be king instructs all leaders, and those in waiting, about the essence of what a leader is “to be.”
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees. For man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart'” (1 Sam. 16:7).
This scripture passage reminds us that we are observers of what we see. We evaluate based on actions and external metrics. While man measures in his ways, God sees His leaders for who they are on the inside. He knows and notes our thoughts, feelings and desires.
As I search my own heart, I often wonder what it is that God sees in my heart. Do I lead with a dark heart? Do I need cardiac surgery?
I submit that our hearts, and therefore our leadership, is revealed in at least the following three ways:
1. Who I am. This is what I do when no one is watching. My heart is often revealed when I am alone. My knowledge and life experience combined with my DNA and spiritual matter are stirred together to define how others see who I am. My vision is formed because of who I am. Competency demonstrates who I am as a producer and leader.
2. My beliefs. What I believe is shown in what I do and don’t do. It is the product of integrity. I behave in certain ways because of what I believe. I coach others based on what I believe about them and their work. I believe training is important, so I do a lot of training. I believe God’s people want to come up higher, so I encourage the climb.
3. My thinking. It includes the thoughts I think when no one is listening. When Paul tells us to “think on these things,” I consider that the essence of godly thoughts must be focused on Scripture. How can I lead God’s people with MY thoughts? How I think about others should be rooted in scriptural training on how to treat others.
I must seek the mind of Christ. I must think HIGHER, get out of my own head and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Leaders cannot take a day off from thinking godly thoughts.
Leadership principles are revealed to me because of the call upon my life, not because of some independent effort. When I am the closest to God, I provide the best leadership.
My prayer for leaders today is to continue to seek a pure heart. Ask God to reveal any spot of darkness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). {eoa}
Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president—Media Group, Charisma Media. Sign up here for Dr. Greene’s leadership e-newsletter.
