I believe that most people today would say that the fountain of right and wrong, both in the area of decision and action, is motivation. Motivation has in it a root word, motive. And the word has come to have a largely negative connotation. But we all have motives. They rest quietly behind every decision and action we make. The question is not whether we have a motive for what we do, but rather is the motive for what we do born out of self-centeredness and selfishness or is it born out of love and a desire to do what is right? I would go on to ask if the motive of our heart is feelings/emotions-based or principles based?
We cannot trust our feelings or our emotions. As leaders our decisions and actions must be principle based. This is why it is so important to have God as the “true north” of our thoughts and decision-making process. He alone knows the beginning from the end and consequently has the perspective to know what is best in any and every situation. His will is always best. Plus, when we consider that He is the original absolute and does not change, we can safely rest in knowing the He does all things well every time.
God’s will seems to me to be the great reset button that an individual can push which will redefine their motivation and, consequently, their performance when offered the opportunity to lead. Seeking God’s will and the desire to submit to it is a huge key to effective leadership, especially when the word servant is attached. Finding and doing God’s will leads us to the discovery of God’s ways, and His ways when acted upon will release God’s means and provision. Effectiveness and success is always the result.
Paul, in 1st Timothy chapter one, eludes to the fact when he says in verse 12, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” Paul did not see his labor as a leader in the Christian movement to be a result of his desire, dream or vision, but as a result of the will of God. Other instances he makes this statement in more straightforward ways, for example, in Colossians, Paul opens the epistle by saying, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…”.
God’s will is the counter balance to me pursuing goals through my plan, my way for my reasons. When I have found His will and submit to His will I get His results every time.