“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” – Psalm 78:72

To build trust in a team we need leaders people trust. The position gives a leader power over the people he leads. This power can either be legitimate power or coercive power depending on the nature of its authority. All things whether physical or spiritual are sustained by the power of God and there is no authority accept that which God has established. (Romans 13:1) When a leader abuses his position or power, the authority he exercises becomes illegitimate. No one will trust a leader with illegitimate authority.

Our calling gives us the influence (skillful hands) over the people we lead, but we need to back it up with our Character, which gives us the legitimate authority (integrity of our heart). In other words, Calling gives us the Competence whereas Character gives us the Conviction. The legitimate authority and character of a Godly leader is love. No wonder in Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians he sandwiched the chapter of love in 1 Co 13, in between the two chapters on spiritual gifts (1 Co 12 and 14). Love gives us the authority to exercise our spiritual gifts to lead the people. For example, there is power to speak the truth, but we need to speak it with love that gives us legitimate authority to do so. When we do this often to build trust in a team, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the head, that is Christ (Eph 4:15)

Godly leaders do not seek after Power that will expire, but seek Love or legitimate authority that will endure. Hence true influential leaders with love are respected whereas power hungry leaders with illegitimate authority are resented by the people. A Godly leader excels in his calling and attract people with the integrity of his heart. Worldly leaders without the true identity in Christ will control people with the insecurity of his heart. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching but knows that everything we do is accountable to the almighty God.

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for showing us your love by sending your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Help me to lead your people with your love as I build trust among your people. Amen.

Before we go, take a look at the questions below:

1. What is "legitimate authority" and "illegitimate authority"? How do these manifest in our work and life?

2. Do you agree that a leader's character is more important than their abilities and power? In your opinion, what kind of character makes a leader more likely to gain trust and respect from others?

3. According to biblical teachings, what is the relationship between love and spiritual gifts?