The Character of Steward Leaders by Howard Rich

By Howard Rich ~

The issue of a leader’s personal character is crucial, especially considering followers of Jesus Christ should be outstanding examples of trustworthiness, yet there seems to be a lethargy and complacency concerning integrity among some Christians, which is out of sync with so many of the teachings in Scripture.

Character is an outstanding consistency of integrity between what we say we believe and our actual actions. Steward leaders build trust in their followers by maintaining a high level of character, at all times. Followers rightly believe their leaders share their core values and will consistently act with consideration to those values. Trust is a powerful glue that binds us together and when leaders violate common values followers lose confidence in that leader, questioning his character.

Have you ever pondered the parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-13? He seems to have routinely taken advantage of, wasted, and mismanaged the assets under his care. He may have become comfortable with his deceit, possibly figuring he was smarter than the owner, or at least thinking he wouldn’t be caught in his ruse. The unjust steward is a warning to us as leaders. He likely began his position with the owner trusting him, but somewhere along the way the manager lost sight of his true position. He took steps down a path of duplicity and no longer looked out for the interests of the owner.

Integrity of character doesn’t just happen, especially when we come up against incredibly terrifying circumstances that shake us to our core. Oddly enough, the unexpected happens when we least expect it. A continual connection to Jesus helps us maintain integrity when those unexpected and daunting circumstances require us to react quickly; when we don’t have time to think, we can react from the inner character formed through an intentional pursuit of God. An ongoing spiritual development on the part of a leader should translate into decisions that display a life grounded in Christian character.

An important truth presented by Paul in Romans 5:1 is the believer lives at peace with God. We are God’s enemy without Christ, yet with Christ, God declared peace between us. This fact makes a life of character possible. Because we are at peace with God, we can grow, mature, and stand before God with character. The hope Paul presents in Romans 5:3-5 is an anticipation of a fact. The believer’s life in eternity at peace is secure; however, Paul makes it clear that troubles are real and even desirable because they build faithfulness. Through perseverance in troubles, the believer builds a reputation and recognizable record of character.

No matter how we interpret the parable of the shrewd manager, one thing we can agree on is he lacked character. Jesus calls him shrewd, but does not hold him up as trustworthy. Christ followers in leadership positions must be people of character, trustworthy, and act in ways that point observers to Christ.

Question: In what areas are you violating your character by walking a path of duplicity?

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Howard Rich is the President of Steward Development Group, a leadership training and coaching firm established to help business professionals discover the freedom of generosity and stewardship. He is also launching CLA Leader2Leader groups in the Memphis Metro Area.

To learn more about the Christian Leadership Alliance-Memphis Leader2Leader groups. Email Howard at howard.c.rich@stewarddevelopmentgroup.com.

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