Leading Through Change Devotional-Part 3

 

Day 3-Trusting

 

Proverbs 11:3

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”

 

History is riddled with examples of leaders who made poor choices or held wrong beliefs that led them to incorrect conclusions. While it’s hard to admit, Hitler was a great leader in the sense that he was able to successfully lead and influence thousands of people. However, his agenda and systems of thinking were not only flawed, but also purely evil. It should create a sense of reverence within us as leaders to consider that we have the ability to influence others in a powerful enough way that we could change the outcome of their life. This certainly can be a positive thing but it should inspire to recognizing the daunting task that is before us. Building trust with those we lead is a process that takes time and should be done with great care and attention. In his book, Not A Fan, Pastor Kyle Idleman makes the statement that “what you win them with, is what you win them to.” While this was made in reference to evangelism, I think it also relates to trust. When trust is built by being charismatic and appealing to others through charming them, the trust that will result will be shallow and self-serving. Eventually, it will become about finding approval to fit in and how you, as the leader, will benefit them, as the follower. On the other hand, when trust is built through character, integrity, and faithfulness, the trust that will result will be deeper and uncompromised even in difficult times. If you read and know history, you may know that Hitler was a very charismatic leader who appealed to the German people by promising prosperity and freedom, even earning the trust of many churches by showing an amiable stance towards Christianity. However, the undercurrents within the culture began to shift subtly and before long there was an inherent belief that as a German, and specifically as a member of the Nazi party, one deserved to be successful at all costs. History tells us the rest of the story and we can see the tragic result and horror caused by Nazi Germany. Being a character driven leader usually doesn’t come with popularity and we will lose followers when others recognize that we won’t give them or do whatever they want. But, the reward of being someone who leads with conviction and principle will extend well beyond this lifetime and the trust that is created will propel an organization to new heights and opportunity for the glory of God. Trust is the capital that is needed for others to buy into a vision or mission and this is built when character, integrity, and faithfulness define us as a leader.

 

Questions for Consideration:

1. Would others classify you as a charisma or character driven leader?
2. Have there been times when you have compromised to gain the favor of others?