God is above reproach, he is God, ultimate, unchanging, source of all that exists and all that has life. All things must by nature owe allegiance to him. The denial of God equates to a denial of one’s own existence. Consistency, justice and love are inherent and complete in God. God is worthy of respect as he is the personal creator and sovereign director of all things.
That God is concerned with the character of a leader is undeniable. A brief survey of Old Testament history reveals a string of leaders tested and changed by God. Joseph passed through many tests of character and ended up being ‘in charge of the whole of the land of Egypt.’[1] Moses who himself had his character moulded by divine events is a instructed by his father-in-law Jethro to:
‘select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.’[2]
Moses instructs his successor Joshua to:
‘Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful’[3]
The cycle of Judges then commences with Israel being oppressed when the people turn from God and their character becomes increasingly godless. Saul, David, Solomon and all the kings that follow are all commended or rebuked over issues of character. In real estate one says ‘Location, location, location’ but in Christian leadership it is ‘Character, character, character’.
Even Nehemiah who is often exemplified as a great leader concerns himself with character. He states:
“What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?[4]
Above reproach, sometimes translated blameless, is summary term taken from Paul’s list of characteristics needed of someone in leadership.[5] The insistence of Godly character, or character consistent with Christ, is a constant Biblical message. It is also revolutionary to the banal secular view of leadership where ability and outcomes are primary. Indeed secular leadership literature often seems to discover that the required Biblical requirements of leadership are in the end the most productive.
In Christian theology Jesus is the ultimate example of integrity, morality and ethical standards. In fact he is considered to be truth itself, unchangeable, and to keep and proclaim an ethical standard that challenged those near him and the society he lived in. He was recognised as a holy person throughout his ministry from his temptation, by his disciples and even on his death one that died with him cried out ‘this man has done nothing wrong’[6].
Jesus also addressed the character issues of his disciples. Interestingly his first real commentary on character is a positive commendation of Nathanial in whom he said there was ‘no guile’[7]. The anger of James and John, the Sons of Thunder[8], the doubt of Thomas[9], the erratic behaviour of Peter[10] and even the betraying of Judas and his love of money.[11] Jesus used every situation to address and invoke change in the character of those he led.
In the ancient near east this meant respect. In small family based communities those who were not ‘above reproach’ would be well known. Someone of dubious character could not hide in the anonymity of the big city.
As the Church began to organise the importance of the character of leaders was important. Men of wisdom and full of the Spirit were chosen.[12] Stephen is described as ‘a man full of God’s grace and power’.
Paul’s lists[13] of leadership qualities, recorded in the letters to Titus and Timothy, describe an ordinary man as opposed to a multi-gifted superstar Pastor. What makes him suitable for leadership is his blameless behaviour, his stable temperament and consistency in holiness.
Peter, a transformed individual, also focuses on the character of a leader in his letters.[14] He encapsulates the principles of the servant leader who is serving not for his own benefit but for the flock he shepherds. The elders are exhorted to watch over and care for the people, to serve and to be examples.
Malachi[15] gives a warning to ungodly behaviour and unfaithful service to the priests. The priests had departed from the teaching of the law and caused many to stumble; they had broken the covenant and also shown partiality in dealing with people.
In comparison Levi is given as an example of:
A life walking with God – a covenant of life and peace (2:5)
Reverence – he revered me and stood in awe of my name (2:5)
Truthful instruction – true instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was on his lips (2:6)
Godly character – he walked with me in peace and uprightness (2:6)
Godly guidance – and turns many from sin (2:6)
Jesus also warns of this responsibility and harshly admonishes those who conduct themselves in a self-serving manner. He describes the path of service in humility in contrast to the religious leaders, the Pharisees and Sadducees[16], of the day. They were full of ‘greed and self indulgence’[17],’full of hypocrisy and wickedness’[18], placed heavy loads upon others shoulders that they themselves would not lift and many other power centred behaviours.
Leaders concerned with power and programs will often load followers with unhealthy burdens unrelated to their spiritual growth or even to the growth of the kingdom. This is exemplified in the fictional story of The Spire[19] by William Golding which is no doubt based on real observation. The Dean of Salisbury Cathedral attempts to build a 404 foot spire. An unattainable project but Dean Jocelin believes it to be an act of faith. This obsession drives all to disaster, spiritually, physically and economically. When the church serves the purposes of the leaders rather than the leader serving the church then a harvest of righteousness is not expected, only disappointment, bitterness, stagnation and often ‘a real mess’.
The writers of the letters are also aware of the corrupting power of leadership. Paul warns repeatedly of false shepherds.[20] Diotrephes for example is mentioned by John[21] as controlling the church and spreading malicious nonsense in contrast to Gaius and Demetrius whose characters are praised. Christ[22] also warns of these ‘wolves’ saying that they can be known by their fruit or are they ‘above reproach’.
We follow our Lord Jesus today.
If we love him and obey his voice, let us truly aspire to be above reproach.
[1] Genesis 41:41
[2] Exodus 18:21
[3] Joshua 1:8
[4] Nehemiah 5:9
[5] 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6
[6] Luke 23:41
[7] John 1:47
[8] Mark 10:35-45, Luke 9:54
[9] John 20:24-29
[10] Matthew 16:18
[11] Luke 22:47
[12] Acts 6:1-7
[13] 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6
[14] 1 Peter 5:1-5
[15] Malachi 2:1-10
[16] Matthew 23:1-37
[17] Matthew 23:25
[18] Matthew 23:28
[19] Golding, William. The Spire. United Kingdom: Faber and Faber, 1964.
[20] Acts 20:29
[21] 3 John 9,10
[22] Matthew 7:15-20
