As a leader, dealing with sin in others is every bit as difficult and frustrating as fighting our own.

Perhaps the best way to handle this sin, other than with wisdom and grace, is to understand it is the root of most people problems in an organization.

Just look around:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy…” (Gal. 5:19-21a).

Lest we think we’re above these “obvious” sins, listen to Paul the Apostle’s admission:

“What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Rom 7:15).
Why we will always have people problems!

It’s sad, true and unavoidable. We ourselves are sinful beyond measure, as are all our coworkers, family members and friends.

But there’s good news, and a charge for all Christian leaders:

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
With such love shown me, my #leadership must reflect it to others.

With the world’s sin never more prevalent or accepted, may the Lord bless your leadership in these dark times.

Excerpted from Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership, by Tom Harper (DeepWater Books, 2019). Also available in Spanish and Amharic.