In Mark 7:21 Jesus pointed out theft as a deadly, defiling sin. The Greek root for this word implies more than just basic stealing. One defiled by this evil trait is mean, deceitful, and dishonorable. Mean-spirited people enjoy seeing others fail; they rob them of potential success by using their words to tear down rather than build up. Deceitful people take it a step further. They rob others through deception and cheating while making it appear like they are helping. Thieves of this stripe are evil to the core, consumed with self-interest and image. In contrast, serving leaders are compassionate of those who fail, seeking others’ success regardless of their own. Defined by encouragement, they build others up with their words, reminding them of how far they have come rather than how far they need to go. Serving leaders are others-oriented, adding value to another’s journey and doing everything in their power to help.

KEY QUESTIONS: How does stealing, rather than add to my value, diminish who I am? Am I more of a contributor than a taker in relationships? Do my words build up or tear down? Who needs me to remind them of how far they have come in life? To whom can I add value today?