EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Leadership needs good character
By David A. Pendleton
Presidents Day celebrates the February birthdays of two revered American leaders, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. They led this nation in times of war, when freedom was at stake and strong leadership was required. And so this month leads us also to reflect on the concept of leadership and on how one's faith affects one's view of leadership.
The faith of both Washington and Lincoln is well known. One of the most famous sculptures was then-Gen. Washington engaged in prayer for his troops during the American Revolution. Lincoln's speeches reflect a thorough familiarity with Scripture.
Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, people across the world have heard much about religion. Unfortunately, what they have learned has often been one-sided. A few Middle Eastern terrorists have, as President Bush has said, "hijacked" Islam for their own homicidal purposes.
In times like this, talk of faith should not make one apprehensive. It is precisely in circumstances of hardship that one's faith should fortify one's life and impel one to exemplary leadership. That misguided believers committed dastardly deeds is no reason to shy away from allowing one's own faith to convey good will, compassion and service to others.
My faith is informed by the Scriptures. And there are at least three passages that I believe touch on leadership.
First, there is Mark 10:43, which teaches that whoever wishes to be great must serve others. These are words of Jesus. How very different they are in philosophy from so many who lead today. The corporate executives at Enron, for example, bought and sold their shares while putting injurious limitations and restrictions on employees.
Jesus not only spoke words of service, but followed them. Before the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his own disciples. He led by example.
This leads to a second way in which one's faith has an effect on one's leadership style. In a letter of Paul to Timothy, Paul counsels the young man to not permit others to think less of him because of his age but rather to set an example in "speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12, NRSV). We should not just talk the talk, but also walk the talk.
In an age when scandals make headlines, wouldn't it be a breath of fresh air to see our leaders follow those simple words of Paul?
A third lesson from Scripture for the leader is also from the same letter from Paul. He encourages Timothy to live so that he has a "good conscience" (1 Timothy 1:19). That means that technical expertise, formal education, connections and experience — as important as these are — are built on the solid foundation of honesty, integrity, and character. Good leadership is characterized by many things, but the indispensable quality is good character.
David A. Pendleton is pastor of the Waiola Worship Center (Seventh-day Adventist) and is also a member of the state House of Representatives.
Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes written works by pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035.
