3 types of busy leaders

April 17, 2019

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Leaders are busy. I get it. Our sin is busyness. Said differently—our sin is often workaholism. Regardless of busyness, you are the shepherd for your family. Many will tell you, “You’re good enough, you’re smart enough and, darn it, people like you.” 

My biblical counseling professor Dr. Tim Pasma (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) says, “As a shepherd, I don't get to simply lead the sheep. I bind the wounds of the sheep. I take care of the sheep.” I love this idea.  

The gospel truth is: you aren’t good enough, smart enough and people won’t like you. You need God’s help.

Now, we know our sinful heart drives our sinful behavior. Any behavior you see on the outside—has to do with the inside—the heart. James 1:13-15 says, “Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.”

Desire is at the root of all sin. Our goal then is to change the heart so we change behavior. How? By establishing biblical priorities and implementing biblical principles.Biblical leadership knows these priorities and principles. 

Here are three types of busy leaders and the idols of their hearts. Which leader are you?

#1 Mr. or Ms. Greed

This leader wants to buy and own expensive luxury items. Think large boats, more houses and so on. Before you draft an email for me—hear me out. There’s nothing wrong with having money and having fun with your money. But what are we teaching those around us when it comes to selfishness and greed?  

Can you have money? Sure thing. Save and spend, brother, spend and save. But what does giving look like in your life? Better yet, what does sacrificial giving look like? If you reflect and find your heart’s desire is to have a sixth and larger boat—when you aren’t in the boat-shipping business—well, that’s interesting, based on this verse:

“Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.” —1 Timothy 6:17-19 

#2 Mr. or Ms. Worry

This leader is different compared to Mr./Ms. Greed. This leader may not want rich things, but they’re afraid of financial loss and unsure about the future. They’re usually the over-saver. It’s a thing. Maybe you didn't have possessions growing up and now that you have some—you aren’t givin’ them up! You save so much you never give. You hold on to your possessions in fear and worry. Congratulations, this makes you a sinner like Richy Rich Dad in No. 1. 

“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? ...For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” —Matthew 6:25-34  

#3 Mr. or Ms. Pride

This leader wants neighbors and community to view him or her highly, but inside of the house is usually a different story. This leader seems awesome on the outside. 

It’s not that having your neighbors and community think highly of you is a bad thing. But, at what expense and how major and life-changing are their opinions to you? There is a works-versus-grace mentality going on here. Are you doing the “right things” for people and their view of you? Or, are you serving Christ and not living for people? One of these ways is better than the other! Let’s seek humility over the sin of pride. 

“For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:20-21). 

Content from this article is adapted from Dr. Tim Pasma’s lectures on idols of the heart and workaholism.

Photo source: istock 

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