How do we, as Christ following business owners and leaders, grow in our God-given capacity to lead with wise judgment and, simultaneously, not be judgmental?
Given the responses from my post last week, it became quite clear that I am not the only one wrestling with questions like this.
I don’t know what this “wrestle’ has been like for you. For me, the wrestle has been quite challenging. In fact, it has been more than painful at times. The profound tension of engaging in needed/difficult conversations and, at the same time have people feel cared for by me, has truly tested me. I suspect that you can relate.
Here are a number of Jesus-focused principles that have been so helpful in guiding me as I lean into this area of growth in my leadership of self and others.
- Slow down. If we are not careful, the seduction of speed will keep us from slowing down. Some leaders operate at a frantic pace in order to avoid the needed conversations with God, themselves and with those in their homes, businesses and communities. To hear what God may have for us as we consider being a leader of sound judgment and not being judgmental will require a “slowing down”. If you are like many leaders, this will not be easy. Psalm 46:10 NIV
- Declare our need for God’s mercy. Until we feel the weight of our own brokenness, and the cleansing power of Jesus in our lives, we will not experience release from the chains of being judgmental. Psalm 51 NIV
- Listen. Truly being willing to “hear” the impact of our leadership on others will test us. As a small business leader, we are so pressed on all sides. As you lead at work and at home are you “hearing” the impact you are having on others? Are you bringing a spirit of sound judgment or one of being judgmental? James 1:19 NLT
- Humility. Our own rebellious nature - our need to be right, unwilling to admit that we might be wrong, will be there, “like a roaring lion” ready to devour us and our relationships 1 Peter 5:5-9 NLT
- Pray. Paul provides us with clear instructions regarding our relationship with the Spirit. Trust Him to inform your thinking. Romans 8:14, 26-27 Galatians 5:18, 25 NLT
- Compassion. I do believe that one of the antidotes for judgmentalism is compassion. When we are stressed, pressed on all sides, our ability to bring compassion is diminished. Jesus operated differently. Matthew 9:35-38 NLT
- Ownership. It is NOT MY JOB - YOUR JOB to change people. It is our role as leaders to exercise sound judgment as we engage with people. As we invite others to own their part in attitude and action, at work and at home, we need to be very careful not do their work for them. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
- Love. Jesus was clear...crystal clear, that we must love - the choice to extend oneself for the highest good of another. I must grow in love - you must grow in love. Matthew 22:34-40 NLT
The journey of bringing sound judgment, while not being judgmental, will continue to test us. It is testing me. God is calling us to submit ourselves to Him and one another as we lead. Will you join me?
A Deliberate Application:
- Reflect on the 8 invitations.
- How did you react in your inner person? Did you “hear” anything? Did you immediately focus in on what you are needing to attend to or did you focus on someone elses’ need to change?
- What are you sensing God ask of you?
- Who will you share this with?
