Leaders do this and leaders do that. The description of what leaders do is the focus of most books, blogs and biographies about the development of a leader.

Samuel's decision to select David to be king instructs all leaders, and those in waiting, about the essence of what a leader is "to be."

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees. For man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart'" (1 Sam. 16:7).

This scripture passage reminds us that we are observers of what we see. We evaluate based on actions and external metrics. While man measures in his ways, God sees His leaders for who they are on the inside. He knows and notes our thoughts, feelings and desires.

As I search my own heart, I often wonder what it is that God sees in my heart. Do I lead with a dark heart? Do I need cardiac surgery?

I submit that our hearts, and therefore our leadership, is revealed in at least the following three ways:

1. Who I am. This is what I do when no one is watching. My heart is often revealed when I am alone. My knowledge and life experience combined with my DNA and spiritual matter are stirred together to define how others see who I am. My vision is formed because of who I am. Competency demonstrates who I am as a producer and leader.

2. My beliefs. What I believe is shown in what I do and don't do. It is the product of integrity. I behave in certain ways because of what I believe. I coach others based on what I believe about them and their work. I believe training is important, so I do a lot of training. I believe God's people want to come up higher, so I encourage the climb.

3. My thinking. It includes the thoughts I think when no one is listening. When Paul tells us to "think on these things," I consider that the essence of godly thoughts must be focused on Scripture. How can I lead God's people with MY thoughts? How I think about others should be rooted in scriptural training on how to treat others.  

I must seek the mind of Christ. I must think HIGHER, get out of my own head and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Leaders cannot take a day off from thinking godly thoughts.

Leadership principles are revealed to me because of the call upon my life, not because of some independent effort. When I am the closest to God, I provide the best leadership.

My prayer for leaders today is to continue to seek a pure heart. Ask God to reveal any spot of darkness.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10).

NEW FEATURE OF GREENELINES

Beginning today, I will offer one short tip on platform building. A platform is a place or medium in which the message of a leader is sent out. (See these links from Ministry Today for more information about platforms: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5) 

Examples of platforms are any place in which you speak. This is the traditional definition of a platform ... a stage or soap box. A platform can also be built on Facebook, in newsletters, in email campaigns, on Twitter or Periscope, in YouTube videos and/or text messaging.

A platform can also be a book or blog.

TIP No. 1

Content matters more than the medium. Words will always matter in whatever new medium is created today.

Since words matter most, isn't it wise to think that the "right words" must be chosen based on the audience of the platform? Content matters in the context of the medium.

Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?

Send for my free series of lessons titled, "The Fundamentals of Creating, Curating and Developing Content for Multiple Platforms." Send your request to: [email protected]

This is an exclusive offer to Ministry Today and "Greenelines" readers.

We will not share your email address with anyone.

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.