Who we are as leaders affects how we approach our responsibilities, even that of developing and enforcing policies. When we are who we should be, we tend to do what we should do. We must guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23) so who we are positively affects what we do. Otherwise, we may find ourselves using policies as a means of boosting our own power. Policies could take on a life of their own due to misuse of them. That isn’t the Christ-like way.
5 Christ-like Qualities in Leaders That Positively Affect Policy Making
Christlikeness affects our perspective and motivations, even in policy making. Notice how these five Christ-like qualities make a difference.
Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Phil. 2:5-8). Hence, Christ-like leaders will not use their position as rationale to stand above everyone else as controllers, like they’re the only one capable of developing and enforcing policies. They will instead be approachable to discuss policy-related issues.
Since Jesus was considered “a man of integrity … not swayed by others” (Matt. 22:16), He could be counted on to say and do the right thing regardless of people’s opinions of Him. As leaders, it could be easy for us to bend policies when it works to our advantage, or to use them to manipulate people. Christ-like leaders, however, will use policies as they are intended, to help people.
Jesus exhibited selfless love (Eph. 5:2), out to protect and provide for our eternal well-being. Christ-like leaders therefore will approach policies as a tool to be loving caretakers of people, not brow beaters who make people feel condemned for violating a policy.
“For the joy set before him Jesus endured” (Heb. 12:2) much suffering, persecution, and even death. Not everyone will like or agree with times leaders must make or enforce certain policies. If, however, we know the policies are for people’s good, to provide and protect, then we too will cling to the big picture and not let people’s reactions discourage and detour us.
When one of the disciples wanted to fight back in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back in its place for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matt. 26:52-54). Jesus had submitted to the Father’s will and therefore could hold back any human urges to retaliate the injustices that were befalling Him. When we have put much prayer into policy making, and are sure they align with God’s purposes, then we too should guard our reactions and not quarrel with those who verbally attack.
One of the best ways for leaders to steer God’s people toward Christlikeness is to exhibit it in every aspect of their lives and ministry. This post shows what that might look like in just one area. Check out the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide for other thoughts on Christlikeness and policy making, as well as 22 different leadership tasks and responsibilities.
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Policy Making:
- Policy Making Objectives
- Policy Making Parameters
- Policy Making & the Big Picture
- Policy Making & Freedom in Christ
- Policies with No Hidden Agendas
- Policies Reflecting Both Grace & Truth
- Church Policies & the Next Generation
- Don’t Let Policies Take on a Life of Their Own
- Spiritual Gifts in Determining Policies
- Spiritual Gifts for Writing Policies
- Spiritual Gifts Suited for Implementing Policies
- Turning to God or to Church Policies?
- God’s Your Defender, Not Your Church Policies
- Policies Shaped by the Gospel
- Policies Reflecting the Gospel
- Policies Shaped by Grace
- Policy-Making Safeguarded by Grace
- Why Policies When We Have God’s Word?
- Power to Maintain the Proper Focus in Policymaking
- Policies Reflecting the Resurrection
- Church Policies Done in the Name of the Lord Jesus
- Leadership Qualities that Positively Affect Policy Making
- Biblical Leadership Roles Positively Affect Policy Making
- Shepherding and Policy Making