Issue #111, August 7, 2013
Paul ends his list of qualifications for servant leaders as he tells Timothy, “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap” (1 Timothy 3:7). Paul’s instruction implies that the true test of our leadership capacity is not with those who agree with us, but those who are “outsiders” or those who do not agree with our faith. This does not make popularity a condition of servant leadership. Nor does this imply that no one will criticize or reject our positions, especially when we take a stand on unpopular issues. Paul himself faced intense opposition. But it means that in every way possible, servant leaders live in ways that build good reputations with those who do not share their views and faith. They build good reputations in several ways.
A servant leader builds a good reputation with integrity.
Servant leaders refuse to compromise God’s standards in how they use their money, their power or their relationships. This integrity, in a world where bribery, lies and unfaithfulness are common, makes the life of the servant leader shine like a bright light in the darkness. They model 1 Peter 2:12, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Outsiders may respond with jeers or with vicious attacks, but they recognize that the servant leader is completely sincere.
A servant leader builds a good reputation with consistency.
A good reputation is built only with time. Servant leaders keep doing what they are supposed to do day after day, week after week and year after year. They are not concerned with short-term gains, but focus on long-term consistency.
A servant leader builds a good reputation with love.
The real test for servant leaders is not only in their actions in relationship to outsiders, but in their heart attitude towards them. Leaders naturally hold strong opinions and have learned how to effectively communicate them to others. But a leader’s heart is revealed when relating to persons who disagree. It is easy to see those who disagree with us as the enemy, as wrong, as somehow less valuable. But servant leaders view these “outsiders” with love. They are as concerned about the relationship as they are about being right. They show restraint even when provoked by false accusations or slander. They seek opportunities to talk face to face. They recognize that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Integrity, consistently practiced in a spirit of love builds a good reputation even with “outsiders.” In doing so, servant leaders guard against falling into disgrace and the ‘devil’s trap’ which can quickly undermine the leaders’ ability to influence for good.
Timothy himself serves as a biblical example of a leader who had a good reputation with others. Before Paul selected him to be a member of his team, Luke records that “the brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:2. Timothy’s own father was an unbeliever but allowed Timothy to join this missionary team which continually represented Christ in places where the church did not exist.
Paul’s list is complete. He sets a high standard for those who lead as followers of Jesus. While none of us perfectly measure up to the standard, let’s resist the temptation to lower the standard. Rather, join me in asking Jesus to make us leaders of the highest quality as we represent Him in our place of influence.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Who are the ‘outsiders’ in my life and leadership? In what ways has God given me opportunities to influence them? What kind of reputation do I currently have with them?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how consistently have I represented Jesus to these “outsiders”?
- When people disagree with my position or view, what is the attitude of my heart towards them? How is that attitude expressed?
- Go to someone you consider an “outsider” who you know has significantly different opinions than you. Ask them to share with you how you come across to them. As appropriate, ask their forgiveness and share your desire to show them respect and love.