Do you stand in the gap and defend your team’s actions? (171-1)

God-honoring leaders will stand in the gap for their team. Read Ezekiel 22:1-31.

Through Ezekiel God describes the leaders in Judah and Jerusalem. They oppressed and destroyed those God had given them influence over. God contrasts that in verse 30 with the kind of leader he is looking for that will “stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land (and the people) so I would not have to destroy it.” Because there were no leaders who were not self-serving, God brought judgment on the entire nation of Judah.

In his study notes in the Maxwell Leadership Bible John Maxwell lists 10 traits of leaders God affirms:

1. Consecration: They set themselves apart and remain committed to their call.
2. Discipline: They do what is right even when it is difficult.
3. Servanthood: They model a selfless life, lived for the benefit of others.
4. Vision: They see what God sees and live off the power of potential.
5. Compassion: Love for their cause and their people moves them to action.
6. Trustworthiness: They keep their word regardless of what others do.
7. Decisiveness: They make good decisions in a timely manner.
8. Wisdom: They think like God thinks and avoid impetuous moves.
9. Courage: They take risks for what is right.
10. Passion: They demonstrate enthusiasm for their divine calling.

When your team comes under scrutiny from senior management is your first instinct to stand in the gap and defend your team’s actions or is your very first instinct to protect yourself and toss them under the bus? If your first thought was to protect yourself rather than stand in the gap for your team, your attitude would disqualify you from being counted with the leaders God called for in verse 30. The good news is there is time to change should you sense the conviction that you are wrong. The list above from John Maxwell can become your vision targets for change.