Issue #9, June 19, 2009
A folk proverb says, “Bad news travels fast.” Pick up a newspaper or listen to the evening news and you’ll quickly recognize that people gravitate toward bad news. But Paul tells Titus that a Christ-like leader should be “a lover of good.” (Titus 1:8, MKJV*) What does it mean to be a lover of good?
“A lover of good” speaks of our attitude….what we choose to think.
Our attitude determines our direction in life and is a daily choice. We can choose to see the best or the worst; we choose to respond positively or negatively. Is the focus of your thoughts on good things or negative things? When you hear a report of the economy or political situation, do you choose to think about the difficulties or the opportunities?
Servant leaders choose to think about the good. Paul admonishes, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“A lover of good” speaks of our focus….what we choose to highlight.
Leaders have many opportunities to provide direction and continually choose what they will emphasize. Servant leaders choose to focus on the good in people or the situation. Paul writes that love “always hopes” (1 Cor. 13:7). Effective leaders highlight the good.
When someone who reports to you makes a mistake, do you focus on the failure or the effort made? When you hear a negative report about someone, do you automatically assume that it is true or false? When developing others, do you focus on the strengths or weaknesses of the other? If you focus on the negative your leadership will be corrective. If you focus on strengths your leadership will be empowering. Servant leaders do not overlook the negative, but they highlight what is good. In doing so, they provide positive energy and direction and lead people out of negativity.
“A lover of good” speaks of our conduct…what we choose to do.
If we love the good, our actions will reflect our thoughts and focus. Leaders who love good will continually choose good actions in their public and private lives. Peter urges, “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.” (1 Peter 2:12) As we practice good deeds others will recognize that we are good workers, good citizens, good spouses, and good parents. Can others see by your actions that you love what is good?
The good news for servant leaders is that when you choose to be a lover of the good, good people love to follow! Bad news travels fast, but leaders who focus on the good last and last.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Would you describe yourself as a lover of good? Would others?
- What needs to change in your attitude? What steps can you take to make this change?
- What good act can you choose to do today that will strengthen your ability to lead like Jesus?
*Modern King James Version. Others use similar phrases.