The strength of a building lies in the hidden foundation, and periodically an engineer is called to inspect the foundation for any hidden weaknesses. Since leadership is an inside job, servant leaders are not concerned only with external appearances; they are equally alert to the hidden parts of their lives. Paul warned Timothy to look closely for hidden sins. The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them (1Timothy 5:24). Paul makes it clear that some sins are very obvious and easily recognizable. Others are more easily hidden and may not be obvious for some time. These are the ones to which servant leaders pay special attention, checking for cracks in the foundation of their leadership. Servant leaders inspect the foundation of their lives in three crucial areas.

Servant leaders inspect the foundation of truthfulness.

The fruit of truthfulness over time is trust, and servant leaders guard this trust as they inspect their lives for any hint of compromise with truth. Servant leaders recognize that compromises to truth often occur in very small steps. A small exaggeration often leads to larger misrepresentations of truth. A small unfulfilled promise leads to more and more outright falsehoods when not acknowledged. Servant leaders recognize that they face daily tests of their commitment to speak the truth. They strive to obey the difficult command of Jesus, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).

Servant leaders inspect the foundation of thoughts.

The thoughts of a leader are hidden from view but shape their actions. Many of the obvious sins Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 5:25 began in the secret places of the heart and thoughts. Jesus declared, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). Jesus makes it clear that this list of “obvious” sins begins with heart and thinking problems. When these are cracks are allowed to continue they develop into habits and patterns of thinking and finally lead to actions. Servant leaders recognize the danger of allowing sinful thoughts to control them. They understand that even though no one can see what they are thinking, there is danger in allowing uncontrolled thoughts to continue. They realize that issues like pornography, lust, or anger will not remain hidden forever, but will eventually be expressed in actions.

Servant leaders inspect the foundation of motives.

Servant leaders are concerned not only with the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ of their leadership. They are aware of the temptation to drift from pure motives to mixed motives…then to wrong motives. Motives are not always obvious to others and need regular inspection. Success in leadership often brings the temptation to continue for different motives. Leaders might begin with a desire to serve, but as they experience success and enjoy financial gain or the approval of others, these factors become the motive for leadership rather than a desire to serve. They regularly ask themselves, “Why did I do that?” as a way to test their motives. In addition, they invite others to also ask them about their heart motives. They listen carefully to David’s caution to Solomon, “the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

Where the inspection reveals flaws, servant leaders act quickly to repent and make the necessary repairs to the foundation of their leadership.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Evaluate your truthfulness with the following questions: Have I recently made any promise which I have not fulfilled? Have I exaggerated any report? Have I said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when I didn’t really mean it? Can those who follow me believe every word I speak?
• Reflect on your thoughts. Are there hidden things in your thought life which you know are cracks in your foundation? Do you struggle with temptations to look at pictures, movies, magazines, or websites which are not healthy? Who do you need to talk with to help you find victory over your thoughts?
• Think about a recent leadership action or decision you made. Reflect on your motive and ask: why did you do it? Were there any deeper, hidden motives that contributed to this action or decision? Take a moment in prayer asking God to reveal any wrong motives in your heart.