Trustworthy and Faithful by Dr. Brian S. Simmons

Steward Leaders are Both Trustworthy and Faithful

A trustee is one who has been given a trust and is entrusted with fulfilling the purposes of the Master (owners) for all that has been entrusted to their care.  Board members are trustees. 

I know of a board member of a Christian nonprofit organization who repeatedly failed to keep his word over time.  He was untrustworthy.

Is this a problem?

Short answer… YES!

The Power of Your Word

Faithful steward leaders understand that their word is their bond.  A famous form of the saying is the Latin phrase “Dictum Meum Pactum” (“My word is my bond”), which became the motto of the London Stock Exchange in 1801.

The motto reflects a time when business deals were often made on trust, and a person’s spoken promise was expected to be honored without lengthy written contracts. 

“My word is my bond” means: You can trust what I say because I keep my promises. If I give my word, that promise is as binding as a legal contract.

The Significance of Character

At bottom, the problem with an unfaithful and undependable steward leader is that ultimately what they think and what they do determines who they are.  Unfaithful steward leaders have a character problem.  And, when organizations are led by people of poor character, the effects often spread far beyond the leaders themselves. While competence matters, character shapes how power is used, how decisions are made, and what kind of culture develops.

What happens when organizations are led by people of poor character?

Outcome of Poor Character

1. There is a lack of love. Love for God and others is replaced by a prideful love of self.  And, as this occurs, selfish goals and agendas replace service over self-interest. 

• There is a lack of unity.  Simply put, a culture of lies pulls people apart because broken promises lead to cynicism and disengagement. 

• There is a lack of love and unity.  No love coupled with a lack of unity mitigates against growth and organizational effectiveness.  People become reluctant to speak honestly, raise concerns, or report problems.  Bad news gets hidden, which often allows small problems to become large crises. Accountability wanes as poor performance gets covered up rather than corrected.  Organizational performance declines.  Talented people leave or are forced out.  Collaboration weakens, and decisions become driven by politics rather than merit or data. 

• Stakeholders lose confidence in a mediocre and declining organization. A common observation is that organizations often reflect what they tolerate at the top. Character in leadership doesn’t guarantee success, but a persistent lack of character frequently undermines even otherwise capable organizations.

The Solution

Paul, in Ephesians 4:15, encourages believers to

“speak the truth in love.’

 Ephesians 4:15

This action describes faithful and trustworthy steward leaders as ones who “keep their word even when it hurts!”  Faithful steward leaders love and serve God by loving and serving others.  They are examples to those they lead as they lead like Jesus, who is full to overflowing of grace and truth all the time. 

You see, there are only two kinds of stewards:  You are either faithful and trustworthy, or you are not. Which are you?

Dr. Brian S. Simmons is a consultant on effective governance and strategic planning, an executive coach, and the founding Head of School for Lakeside Christian Academy. He is a visionary builder, advancing the kingdom of God through Christian education, teaching, and his influence on others.

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