The Anatomy of Authentic Leadership Pt.2

In my last blog submission, the topic of integrity and authenticity was explored using the metaphor of the human body. The Bible utilizes this picture in the book of Proverbs as Solomon provides wisdom that is so relevant to today's leader. In part one of this two-part reflection, I gave some quick comments on the first two parts of the body mentioned by Solomon: the ears and the heart. Let's complete the picture by touching on the last three aspects of his anatomical portrait of leadership.

“Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is a wellspring of life.

Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.

Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” Proverbs 4:22 – 27.

Pay attention...listen closely – the ears! Above all else, guard your heart as a wellspring of life – the heart! Solomon continues, “Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips” - the mouth.

Perversity is taking what is good and proper and turning it into something evil. I can think of nothing easier than using words to do just that; twisting the truth to say something that is misleading; exaggerating the facts until reality is not to be found (the little fish is all of a sudden a record catch); the sarcastic comment that turns excitement into criticism, announcements into argument, optimism into opposition. Corrupt talk manifests itself in so many different ways – lies, slander, gossip, teasing, bullying, intimidation, manipulation, rationalization, and even false flattery. Did you notice Solomon's intensity in his exhortation – keep this kind of talk far from your lips. Don't get close to it!

There are lots of diseases of the mouth from gingivitis to stomatitis to candidiasis to cheilitis to burning mouth syndrome to cancer, but Solomon warns of the spiritual disease that I have called Acid Tongue. Another disease that will corrupt the anatomy of authenticity. 

The eyes - “Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.” The disease of Wandering Eyes can cause spiritual blindness. Turing your eyes to the right or to the left takes your focus off the straight and narrow path. As we walk down through life, there are so many temptations that are calling our name. It is much like my experience at the Mercado in the Dominican Republic. The cross between a flea market and a carnival, the Mercado is filled with vendors and tourists all making deals for the best prices on the merchandise. Every price is subject to barter and every offer is open to a counter offer. Walking down the narrow aisle ways is an adventure in itself, Every vendor is calling out for your attention. Every booth is inviting you in to see the very best prices. Every shop owner is vying for your eyes. So it is in life, so it is in leadership. Many voices calling out wanting you to look their way.

This powerful verse in Proverbs reminds me of one of my favorite songs written by Helen H. Lemmel – not because of the melody as much as for the words, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” Sandi Patti in her song, “Upon This Rock”, puts it this way: “When others see with earthly eye just what they want to see, you will see the things that never die; you will know and recognize by simple child-like faith the priceless truth that others will deny.”

The feet – four phrases of Solomon spell out four keys for the leader. First, “make level paths”- every authentic leader must make deep commitments to doing the right thing. The temptation to cut corners must be avoided to maintain integrity. Second, “take only ways that are firm”- a leader's decisions must be based on the universal truth of God's word. The world view of the leader must be the rock, the sounding board, the scale of justice that prevails in the board room, the office, and at home. Three, “do not serve” - straying to the left or to the right (first with the eyes and now with the feet) leads into disobedience, sin, and failure. Reputation takes a lifetime to build and only one foolish mistake to destroy. Four, “keep your foot from evil” - a leader must be aware of who he is and where he is going. I was out jogging the other day and I was just not paying attention to where I was going. The next thing I knew, I was ankle deep in the mud. The leader must run the race with a great sensitivity to where he is placing his feet. The spiritual disease of Crooked Feet can cause the leader to trip and fall, greatly impede his progress, or derail him off the narrow track.

The ears – the filter of advice and philosophy. The heart – the emotions of the leader. The mouth – the words that edify or destroy one's ministry. The eyes – the ability to focus on the mission and vision of life. The feet – the path of action that transforms a leader's vision into reality. Avoid the diseases and lead with authenticity and integrity.