Serving Bread

An article in a recent issue of “The Economist” looked at the rising influence of American mayors. The article notes how mayors across the country are doing more of the “Think Globally, Act Locally” vision. At a gathering in Los Angeles last month, they debated “pointless resolutions, including one to eliminate nuclear, biological and chemical warfare throughout the world.”

Though these resolutions are pointless, the mayors are bringing change that has national significance. When the federal government passed over the Kyoto treaty, more than 500 mayors signed on to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in their cities by 7%. And in recent times, Mayor Bloomberg (of New York City) has organized an alliance of over 200 mayors to increase gun-control.

Whereas climate control and gun-control are generally thought of as national (or even international) issues, these mayors have decided to lead by example in their own communities. In many contexts, the leader has the choice of either blaming and criticizing his or her leaders and cry that he or she is not to blame for the lack of movement, or the leader can lead by example within his or her context.

The mayors that are committed to curb greenhouse-gas emissions or work on gun-control are looking to lead their vision within their context. They are looking to bring change within the circle that they can bring change. A leader must lead within his or her context. Too many leaders approach leadership with their hands tied behind their backs. They cry, “Because I am not ‘more powerful’ I cannot bring the change that I want to see happen.” Leadership begins in our circle of influence.

In my ministry context, I have to remind myself that my context is the most important place for me to lead. My leadership is not hijacked by “the powers that be.” I have an opportunity to influence and lead well within my context, and complaining of the direction of our ministry or organization usually reveals to me that I have forgotten the context into which God has called me.

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In recent weeks, I was saddened by the news that the mayor of my city, Antonio Villaraigosa, admitted that his marriage has come to an end and that he was romantically involved with a local television news reporter. Villaraigosa is not alone. Rudy Giuliani, former New York mayor and one of the front runners for the Republican presidential nomination, broke off his second marriage at a live news conference and then professed his love for his mistress.

These men command influence and lead millions of people, yet their character is lacking. Of course, it wouldn’t be too difficult to list powerful and effective leaders with character flaws. These types of leaders are both inside and outside the Christian world.

When I see someone like Giuliani have a real chance to be our next president, I admit that I wonder whether character counts. The mantra seems to be, “as long as they do the job right, who cares about their character.”

But character does count and should count. In the Letter to the Galatians, Paul mentions that those who belong to Christ live by the fruit of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5.22-23). In Christian leadership, our character counts especially since we are leading people toward getting their characters right with God. And business leadership guru Jim Collins has discovered that character tends to strengthen people’s leadership.

If leadership is only about accomplishing tasks, then character may not need to count. If leadership is only about power, then character may not need to count. But if leadership is about building trust and inspiring change, then our character matters.

In my experience, I have discovered that character development ultimately rests on me. In other words, others can suggest improvements to my character, but I am the ultimate gatekeeper of whether I want to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3.2). Character development requires discipline and commitment on our part. It requires self-examination, transparency, and humility to allow others to speak truth into our lives.

I admit that I may not necessarily be the model person who values character development. But I do recognize that the leaders I respect the most, tend to be people who are most committed to being “above reproach” leaders. And that inspires me to be committed to character development.

Character does count and must count. It is unfortunate when political leaders can pave a path of leadership that steps aside character development. For anyone who is in leadership, we must follow a better path.

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