The Truthfulness of a Leader

A leader should always try to be truthful because this serves as a foundation for who he or she is.

Truthfulness is important for leaders because it serves as a key part of our ministry foundation. Once a follower believes that a leader cannot be trusted then everything the leader says or does comes into question. This questioning will gnaw at the minds of followers to the point that the foundation for which a leader presumes to stand on will no longer exist. A leader who cannot be trusted is like a boat with holes in the bottom of it—you just have to question why anyone would get in it.

Sadly, a lack of truthfulness will have the same effect in the mind of a follower even if it is just perceived (perception is reality for undiscerning people). For this reason it is important that a leader be above reproach in speaking and living truthfully. This includes avoiding negative sarcasm, admitting when wrong, and being consistent in speech and action. Hypocrisy between words and deeds means that we are not living as children of the light (Eph. 5:8-9). We are a mirror that reflects the light of Jesus Christ to others, and our truthfulness will ensure that this mirror remains polished to reflect The Truth.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).
Ephesians 5:8-9