A Leader's Credibility

In recent days, we have seen many leaders who have lost their credibility by virtue of the things they said, do or did not do. They seem to be like the "Transformer" in the picture, transforming from a leader with the people's interest at heart seemingly, to one who are careless with their words and actions.

The Bible in Proverbs describe such leaders as messengers :

"An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing."
Proverbs 13:17 NLT

Peter Kuzmic wrote :

"A credible message needs a credible messenger because charisma without character is catastrophe."

We are not short of leaders who are good orators and charisma and I think you know who I am referring to. However, as Peter Kuzmic rightly pointed out : "Charisma without character is catastrophe." Does Malaysia needs another "charismatic leader" ? He may turn out to be a "charis-maniac" and be puffed up with pride once in power. That is the curse of leadership in this country. Do the acts and words of the so-called "government-in-waiting" or the present government reflect the very manifesto of a people-oriented agenda or is self-interest the order of the day ? When the so-called leader acts, does his deed reflect on the country or people he represents ?

Similarly as Christians, we are Christ's ambassadors and therefore his messengers. Too often we think that the message we preach reflects our faith. However, on a much deeper level it is the message of our everyday words and actions that are influential. We are the letter from God that people read. We become unreliable messengers when we speak crudely, gossip about a neighbor, or act dishonestly. May we not be like the leaders of our day but may we raise the standard for God and pray that He will raise God-fearing leaders who will lead with credibility, integrity and much wisdom.

Our words and actions reflect God, who lives inside us, to people who never open a Bible or enter a church. Never forget that you are an ambassador for Christ and a messenger of hope. Ask his Spirit to empower you to deliver the Good News with your life and words.

LORD, thank you for allowing me to be your ambassador. Let my message be honest and true. Help me to encourage others and to go out of my way to speak a kind word. Forgive me for times when I have spoken without thinking. Let me live in such a way that my words and actions represent you so that my message may be one of love and hope.