Do you have some relationships that diminish you as a Christian leader? (135-5)

King Solomon, who according to the Bible was the wisest man to ever live on earth, stressed the importance of self-discipline as leaders develops close associations with others. Read Proverbs 12:26.

Solomon spoke of the “righteous man” who is “cautious in friendships.” The need for self-discipline in choosing those friendships is brought to light in the second half of verse 26 when Solomon points out that that the “wicked leads them astray.”

It is no simple task for a leader to use self-discipline as they choose relationships. Each individual is attracted to certain personality traits in others and sometimes a leader is like a moth drawn to a flame for certain negative personality traits. And, even though outsiders can see the problematic issues almost immediately, relationship is so powerful the leader is blind to the issues. Self-discipline sounds like an unemotional word and almost out of place when tied to an emotional subject such as relationships, but leaders are human and emotions can be tricky thus Solomon’s advice to use caution when choosing friendships.

When a leader chooses to trust a teammate they make the decision to see truth in their words and loyalty in their actions first and doubt about their intentions second. Wise leaders intentionally use care and self-discipline when choosing those closest to them because of the powerful influence of these individuals.

Do you have some relationships in your leadership life with destructive attributes that continually diminish you as a Christian leader? Are you willing to seek God’s guidance in dealing with that relationship? Are you willing to commit to follow God’s leading concerning that relationship even if His leading is difficult?

1 Corinthians 5:11, “But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.”