49. Character of a Leader—Holy?

This episode narrated by MAJ Marissa Dey, USA

As disciples called to lead, we are made to have His nature.

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Isaiah 6:3, quoting from the NASB:

“And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.’”

Have you considered holiness as an essential leadership quality? I have to admit, when I think of leadership essentials, “holy” does not immediately surface as a necessary trait. What comes to mind when you hear the word “holy?” “Holy roller” and “holier than thou” are cultural expressions we hear. Sadly, the tendency is to use “holy” in a derogatory sense. In his book Leadership Essentials, Greg Ogden makes the point, “The Bible is much more concerned about who a leader is than what a leader does.” That is similar to his thought, “Developing character is more important than polishing skills.” Performance is the usual bottom line indicator and bread and butter for leaders. However, how are Christ’s followers to be as servant leaders?

What does it mean to be holy? Jesus is the perfect model of holiness. Based on His life, holiness would include the absence of sin and the presence of fruit of the Spirit. Jesus knew no sin. However, because we are sinful, yet chosen to carry out God’s work on earth, it is useful to recount Isaiah’s entry into the service of God. Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah decried his sin before a holy God, saying: “I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” With a “live coal” Isaiah’s lips were touched, his guilt was taken away, and his sin atoned for. We, as Isaiah, have not lived sinless lives, but through forgiveness of sin, the Lord used Isaiah and uses us in spiritual service. Holiness is purity. Though sinful, the one who confesses his sin is purified for service.

Finally, as disciples of Christ we should follow His example and exhibit the Spirit’s fruit. What good news! When the Spirit of God leads our hearts, good fruit is the result, and the sin nature is quelled. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These qualities abounded in Jesus. As disciples called to lead, we are made to have His nature.

Take a minute and evaluate the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit is most abundant in your life right now? After reflecting on the abundance, think on the fruit you sense needs to be growing in you.

Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. Think of these as ways to cultivate greater abundance of the Spirit’s fruit:

1. First, offer a prayer to God to help your weakness become your strength.
2. Second, following periods of Bible reading, journal over the next seven days. What applications are the Holy Spirit revealing concerning the fruit you desire in greater.
3. Third, what God has given in abundance, use to His glory. Let our strengths honor Him.

Monthly Evaluation

It’s time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.