Leadership As A Lifestyle

This paper will focus on the book Leadership as a Lifestyle by John Hawkins, and it will investigate the chapters, stories, and themes in order to determine whether or not they are consistent with specific the teaching and examples given in the Bible. Each of the following paragraphs will consider a quote taken from each chapter of the book. Basically, I will see if Hawkins’ book squares with Scripture.

Let me begin by looking at the first chapter, which is called “One Reality.” In this chapter, Hawkins shares the popular notion of the separation of the private and public life, “What a leader does in private is no one else’s business” (10). Well, that is exactly what David thought. In 2 Samuel 11, we find King David committing adultery with Bathsheba. Bathsheba ends up pregnant and David has Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, killed in battle. David thought that his private life did not affect anyone else, until Nathan the prophet finally confronted him. David’s private decision affected him, Bathsheba, Uriah, Joab, the baby that was born, Nathan, and the Israelite nation. Hawkins also writes, “Leadership is comprised of character, competence, and commitment” (19). These are the three attributes that David should have been exercising. He should have been leading the troops out in battle instead of looking at naked women from his roof.

In chapter two, “In Essence, Leadership Is a Lifestyle,” Hawkins writes, “Effective mentors, coaches, and sages lead from their wealth of experience, wisdom, and from who they are and what they have become; they lead by sharing, encouraging, and helping” (44). This kind of leader sounds a lot like Paul. Paul became Timothy’s mentor and taught him through his lifestyle. He instructed Timothy, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

Chapter three is called “The Core of Sustained Influence.” In it we find these words, “Those who understand leadership as a lifestyle believe their success is much more dependant upon their example and abilities than upon their control and manipulation of others” (61). This statement calls to mind the investment that Jesus made in the lives of the disciples. He never tried to manipulate them, but He did try to influence them through example and teaching.

In chapter four, “Influence With Integrity,” Hawkins shares a story about two friends and co-workers, Rob and Jim. Jim ends up saying, “Too many times I feel like a chameleon, trying to figure out what color I must become next in order to play things safe and prove my worth to others. As a leader, I’m constantly shifting, not firmly planted in my convictions” (79). If there is one thing the world needs today, it is leaders who are firmly planted in their convictions. Paul instructed Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you” (2 Tim. 1:13-14). Paul also writes, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Paul warned Timothy about the chameleons out there. In Acts we see Peter and John refusing to compromise instead of pleasing the religious rulers of their day. “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20). In addition to that, “They took [Gamaliel’s] advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:40-42). You see, they were firmly planted in their convictions, and they carried them out.

Chapter five is called “The Necessity of Transcendence.” Hawkins writes, “Leadership is a process of change that takes place in changing contexts and within changing people” (98). He also states, “Change and its uncertainties make us realize our need for a foundation upon which to build our life and leadership” (99). This reminds me of Moses. He started out as a prince of Egypt. He then fled and lived as a shepherd in the wilderness. After that, God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Not only did he lead them out, but he became their national leader until the day of his death. Moses underwent many changes in contexts, and he himself had to change as well. Through all the changes though, God remained his steadfast anchor.

Chapter six, “Adversity: The Path to Intimacy,” talks about marriage and each of its aspects. Adversity is something that must be dealt with in any relationship or assignment. Paul warned Timothy, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come” (2 Tim. 3:1). James teaches, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Who models this more clearly than Job? He trusted God through his trials and came out in a deeper relationship with his maker and sustainer. Hawkins writes, “Committed love empowered by God turns any adversity into a great adventure toward intimacy” (129). If only marriages could keep this perspective and not end in divorce.

Chapter seven is entitled “Family: The Seedbed for Leadership.” In it is this statement, “In families where parents model integrity, kindness, hard work, and respect for others, children grow up understanding character as a lifestyle” (139). This brings to mind a couple of the Proverbs. The first one says this, “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man” (Prov. 3:3-4). The second one says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). A parent’s investment in a child is invaluable.

In chapter eight, “Building Great People,” Hawkins writes, “Fortunately, in every generation there are those leaders who decide to face the questions of meaning and message. These are the leaders who commit to the roles that destiny has prepared for them…These leaders determine not to use their followers or coddle them, but rather to help them to be better, more ethical people” (157-158). Any one of the prophets could be discussed here, but Jeremiah really sticks out. He was appointed before he was even born. He remained faithful to Gods message, even though at times he felt like giving up.

“As Iron Sharpens Iron” is the title of chapter nine. It gets its title from Proverbs 27:17, which says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Hawkins says, “A few good friends can be of inestimable value to those who seek to be lifestyle leaders” (175). Paul needed Barnabus. Peter needed John. Where would Timothy be without Paul, or David without Jonathan? Elisha would not have been the man he was had it not been for Elijah.

In chapter ten, the final chapter, entitled “A Harvest of Goodness,” Hawkins states, “Lifestyle leaders realize that death comes to all of us” (195). A good leader will not forget this fact. Paul knew he was going to die, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Tim. 4:6). Paul did what he could to prepare Timothy. Moses prepared the people for his death, and Joshua followed after him. David knew he was about to die, so he had Solomon put on the throne in his place (see 1 Kings 2:1-4).

It is clear that John Hawkins has a book that is consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. The principles that he communicates in his book can be found within the bounds of Scripture. I recommend Leadership As a Lifestyle to any leader. May God help us all to be better examples and influences!