Leadership Boundaries

Genesis 1:14-18 – And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

God created man and gave them an awesome responsibility. They were charged to:

1. be fruitful
2. multiply
3. replenish the earth
4. subdue the earth
5. have dominion over the fish, fowl, and every living thing that moves on the earth

But He also warned them:

…of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17)

As we’re aligned into specific positions and assignments, we’re given tasks, warnings, and consequences. Tasks are the specified duties and end goals to achieve. Warnings provide the boundaries that frame the context of our operations. Consequences are the results that come out of failing our assignments and not heeding warnings.

No matter how large or small, our positions and assignments represent levels (and responsibilities) of leadership. In order to be successful in our work, we must complete our assignments with diligence without disregarding warnings and consequences. They exist as boundaries in our ability to complete our tasks with excellence and integrity. They help us to maintain the sacred trust bestowed upon us by those above us, with us, and our subordinates. By taking heed to them, we build stepping stones for establishing a good name and character:

Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Lead with integrity and diligence. Be cognizant of your thoughts, emotions, and temperament. Protect. Develop. Inspire.

^{Photo courtesy of flickr.com/29233640@N07}