We tend to judge other people by what they did. But we judge ourselves by what we meant to do. That difference becomes especially destructive in leadership.

When leaders believe their intentions are noble, they often excuse the wreckage they cause. Even when the results are poor, when people are harmed, even when the same mistake repeats itself. As long as someone can say, “My heart was in the right place,” he grants himself a
kind of private acquittal.

Consider King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. God gives a direct command concerning Amalek, but Saul disobeys. When Samuel confronts him, Saul immediately reframes the situation: “I have obeyed the LORD,” he insists. In his own mind, his motives redeem his careless disobedience. Consider also Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6. When the ark begins to fall from the cart, he reaches out to steady it. Yet the action violated the clear instructions God had given about handling the ark. Good intentions did not cancel disobedience.

Then there is Peter in Matthew 16. When Jesus predicts his suffering, Peter rebukes him. His motive is loyalty and protection. Yet Jesus answers with severe clarity: “Get behind me, Satan.”

We have an enormous capacity to interpret our own motives generously. That is why the New Testament calls believers to rigorous honesty with themselves. Paul writes, “If we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:31). Peter adds another sobering word: “It is time for judgment to begin at the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Judgment begins inside.

David prays, “Search me, O God.” Paul disciplines himself so he will not be disqualified after preaching to others. The leaders God trusts are those who submit themselves to examination. The problem isn’t out there, but within the heart.

Maranatha,

Jordy