"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." Abraham Lincoln

Character should be the highest focus of any leader. It is more important than skills. It is more important than results.

How we lead is just as important as what we lead.

Character should be built into our daily lifestyle. The way we talk to others. How we treat our spouse and parent our children.

The outward facade or persona of a leader is just that, the external. Who we are in private and when we are alone reveals who we are. In God's kingdom, humility and a teachable spirit trump what our culture deems important. We want instantaneous results that help us know we are excelling. We want to feel as if we are changing the world with how we lead.

Patience is a fruit of the spirit that is cultivated through life's struggle. Scripture talks a lot about waiting on the Lord. I struggle with patience and I'm sure you do as well. God is always shaping and molding us through life. How we lead tells a lot about our character.

I pray that as you are reading this and as I am writing this, that we will be reminded that we can only lead well if we follow well. We are strong when we are weak in our own idea of strength.

Character is developed when we realize that we find strength for all decisions in Christ.