We need to develop a sense of urgency in our desire to change, to get to a place where we desperately want to please God and not man.
It is when we try to please man that the inconsistencies start. Different people will place different demands on us. Different situations will demand different actions. And when we try to fit in and please everybody, we lose our identity.
Psa 78:8 and might not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set their heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful with God.
Psa 78:10 They did not keep the covenant of God, and refused to walk in His Law. 11 And they forgot His works and His wonders which He had shown them.
The Psalmist indicates quite rightly that in our actions of being stubborn and rebellious, and when our heart actions do not line up with the Word – we are unfaithful.
That in itself becomes the weak link in our faith walk.
Mat 5:34 You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.
Mat 5:37 Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong. (MSG)
I need to constantly check my motives. Who am I trying to please, man, myself or God?
I need to ask myself certain questions at the end of each day:
- What was my motive today?
- Did I help someone less fortunate than me?
- Did I help someone just because I could or was there an agenda?
- Did I show love and respect to those I made contact with?
- Did I acknowledge the love and respect people showed me?
- Did I acknowledge God’s presence in my life?
- Did I thank Him in all situations?
- Did I tell someone about my Saviour?
The following are crucial elements of behaviour needed to be a great leader. If you make an effort to understand the need for each of them it will change your experience as a leader:
Integrity
Integrity is the most important value of any leader. Without integrity everything else is for naught.
Emotional maturity
Always remain in control of your emotions. Never shout or even raise your voice - even if you feel very upset or angry. An emotionally mature person will make every effort to remain in control of their thoughts, words and actions.
Lead by example
One of the most effective techniques in the art of influencing others is to act in the way that you would like them to act. If you would like people to work harder, then you need to work harder. If you want people to be more professional, then you need to constantly display professional behaviour.
Lend a helping hand
Work with your staff when they need help. This behaviour will gain you the respect you need as their leader.
Fairness
Treat everyone equally well and on merit. Do not single people out unless they have truly earned it.
Bad behaviour
A great leader disapproves of unethical or unprofessional conduct and will not hesitate to take remedial action against someone should the circumstances require it.
Listen
Great leaders listen to their staff before expressing their feelings or point of view. Listening requires that you make an effort to truly understand what the other person is saying before jumping to conclusions or taking action.
Responsibility and accountability
Always accept responsibility and blame for your team's mistakes. Never blame a team member or single anyone out when things go wrong. Take corrective action immediately and discuss it with the person who made the mistake afterwards without anger or blaming or shaming them.
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