Leadership is never tied to the current worldly climate and culture. Oh no, if the culture is one of fraud and corruption, strive to be honest. If the culture is to be violent and aggressive, be gentle and kind instead. If the culture is to talk-talk-talk, rather be the one to listen and really hear someone. Never be too quick to be emotional and reactive, but calmly evaluate, analyse, and only then take decisive action. If the general tendency of people and society is to be negative and pessimistic, be positive and hopeful.
These are all timeless values and principles which don’t depend on circumstances. This is pivotal for good leadership. Leaders create the right culture. They don’t follow in the grim culture
of a society that is frequently corrupt and negative.
Verses 20-27 in Proverbs 4 are so correct and beautiful:
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil – NIV
Johan Maxwell uses the words of Proverbs 4 so beautifully and sums up the values and principles of a leader brilliantly in line with the Scripture passage:
1. They are a guide; they help us stay on the right path.
2. They are a guard; they keep our hearts and bodies protected.
3. They are a gauge; they enable us to evaluate where we are.
That's why the Word is so important for every leader. Know the Word and formulate your own values and principles from and according to it. Then you won't be like a Cape wind that blows differently every day. No, you are going to be a steadfast leader - worthy of being followed.
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