What values drive your behavior? (125-4)

A leader must be driven by predetermined values not by expediency for a given situation. Read Psalm 15.

A leader’s values are uncompromisable, undebatable truths that drive and direct their behavior. They are the reason “why” leaders act the way they do. Values are restrictive in that they place boundaries around a leader’s behavior. King David shows he is a value driven leader in Psalm 15 and gives us a list of necessary traits. The godly leader:

• Possesses integrity (v. 2)
• Does what is right (v. 2)
• Is honest and trustworthy (v. 2)
• Does not gossip (v. 3)
• Does not even listen to gossip (v. 3)
• Does not harm others (v. 3)
• Speaks out against wrong (v. 4)
• Honors others who walk in the truth (v. 4)
• Keeps their word even if it ruins them (v. 4)
• Isn’t greedy for gain at another’s expense (v. 5)
• Takes no bribes (v. 5)
• Is steadfast and stable (v. 5)

Values can never be just discussed in the abstract; they are real and operating in a leader’s life even if you don’t remember purposefully choosing them. Maintaining values will “get in the way” at times and maintaining your values may cost you dearly. Values will affect your relationships and your actions in every part of your life from your family to your work to your social life.

Since values affect a leader’s actions and decisions it is wise to choose your values carefully. If a leader looks to the world around them for their values they will be confused by self-interest, social conditions, and situational ethics. The values of our culture are shallow and subjective. Wise Christian leaders seek the standards of the Bible that reflect God’s absolutes for unchanging character.

Examine your leadership value system. What values drive your behavior? What values would you like to have driving your behavior? If you determine that your value system needs to change start with the list David spells out in Psalm 15.

Isaiah 55:9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”