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In this leadership lesson I want to discuss 1 Peter, Chapters 2 and 3. In this section of the Bible, Peter is giving advice on how we should all act when dealing with others. Often times when I discuss my thoughts on how to take advice from the Bible to be a better leader, I look at it from the point of view on how to actively lead people. However, in these chapters, Peter reminds us of how to act as a person, in a leadership position.
Peter begins Chapter 2 by giving us guidance on how we should "reset our baseline" as we understand being a Christian. I also think this advice is a great way to begin your day as a leader...."...rid yourselves of malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind...." Consider how much for effective many of your daily leadership decisions would be if you entered into them with this state of mind.
In Chapter 2, verse 13 Peter also gives us guidance on how to act, as a subordinate. Part of being a great leader, is being a great follower. Regardless of your title, there is probably still someone you report to. Peter reminds us that we need to check our egos at the door. "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority:....For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people" Think back over your leadership, how often have you spoken ill of the people at a higher level than you? Have you ever done that in front of people that report to you? What type of message do you think that sends them? At the very least, it shows them that it must be optional to show you respect to their leadership, which includes you.... You also have the power to start "swirl" within your organization based on your lack of submission to authority. Don't misunderstand me, there is definitely a time and place to bring your opinions and thoughts to your leadership, however, when final decisions are made, proper respect must be given. God puts everyone in a position for a reason...Next time you struggle with those ahead of you, ask yourself what lesson God wants you to learn from the experience, and how can you grow from it.
For those of you who have bosses that are challenging, Peter has some encouragement in verses 19-21. "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, you should following his steps." Peter calls us to endure every time that your boss does not live up to your expectations, every time your boss does not recognize you for your effort, every time that your boss takes all the credit, because God finds it commendable in his eyes. Christ was never wrong during his time on earth, yet look at the punishment and rebuke he took from those holding a higher earthly position. I think that sometimes, even good Christians forget that God is watching them at work, as much as he is everywhere else. God does not have different operating instructions for us when we are working vs. when we are not, however, many people act as if he does.
As we move into 1 Peter Chapter 3, we get another great piece of advice in verses 8-10. "......be like minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech." In our daily work lives, think how easy it is to act contradictory to the above passage, however, Christ promises that if you repay evil with blessing, you will also receive a blessing.
Finally from verse 13 through the end of the Chapter Peter reminds us that the most important thing we can do is be eager to do good. A Godly leader should act differently than other leaders. Peter also warns that we should be prepared for people to want to slander us and speak maliciously against our good behavior. Be prepared for people to judge your faith or question your motivation and ability to make "tough decisions" because your faith may make you soft. We are to "....be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience...."
1 Peter Chapter 2-3 provides a lot of great insight on how we should behave, as people and as leaders. It sets out some pretty high expectations of what appropriate behavior is, as a leader and a follower. It challenges us to stand behind our righteous decisions without fear of what others might say. (As long as the decision is sound from a Biblical perspective) It promises blessing and happiness for enduring insult and punishment for doing good. Finally, it reminds us that we are held accountable for how we act at work, just as much as how we act at home. There is no double standard in God's eyes. Just when you think that you can't be expected to act like this and still be competitive in the work environment, ask yourself this question from Mark 8:36: "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
