Tolerating a poor character, which produces bad choices, is a sure way to really mess up your life!
Getting to Root Cause
Are you looking for a sure way to really mess up your life?
If so, here’s a way to guarantee that outcome!
Truly, foolish behavior is rooted in foolish choices, Ecclesiastes 10.3, that are apparent to everyone.
Similarly, those unwise choices are caused by a poor character. Additionally, a poor character lacks perception, Jeremiah 5.21. Also, it isn’t discerning, Jeremiah 4.22.
Ultimately, who we are inside drives our thinking, deciding, and our behavior.
Thus, a poor character is a sure way to really mess up your life!
Leadership Insight
Now, what are some characteristics of being unwise?
Well, foolish behavior includes:
1). First, ignoring basic life principles, First Samuel 13.13.
2). Then, attacking others, First Samuel 26.21.
3). Or, comparing myself with others, Second Samuel 15.31.
4). Also, acting in a way that’s rash and compulsive, Second Samuel 24.10.
5). And, making life plans without divine guidance, Second Chronicles 16.9 and Isaiah 44.25.
6). Next, living in a way that’s extreme, Ecclesiastes 7.17 or shows poor stewardship, Ecclesiastes 2.19.
7). Finally, refusing to listen to others, Ecclesiastes 10.14.
In short, a poor character is marked by arrogance, viciousness, irreverence, and by destructive swings in attitude and behavior.
Poor Character and Rank
So, what does this list of traits have to do with impactful leadership?
As it turns out, each of these first five examples is from the life of a king!
Hence, high-ranking leaders can be just as guilty as anyone in regard to behaving foolishly. And, in each case, the unwise behavior was part of a pattern of problems, or led to more serious challenges later.
Therefore, traits such as pride and hard-headedness are extremely destructive for a leader. So, don’t be that leader!
Instead, pay attention to the basics of a sound character, such as honesty, gratitude, and self-control. Why? Because behaving wisely isn’t a quick fix for eating forbidden fruit, Genesis 3.6!
Apply This Today!
Remember, character erosion is a gradual process.
Also remember, poor character isn’t reserved for the powerful. But, the pressures of leadership can certainly magnify any defects in the leader.
Therefore, without watchfulness, a leader’s character can erode.
So, although the leader doesn’t notice the change, others certainly do.
Similarly, leaders shouldn’t confuse stubborn pride with persistence. An impactful leader must be discerning enough to recognize this critical difference.
High performing leaders carefully watch themselves while executing the basics. What habits assist you in watchfulness and execution?
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