GN Commentary: February 5, 2009 - Leaders and Leadership

The Bible gives many examples of what we should expect in a leader.

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Video Transcript

There is great anticipation for change to take place through President Barak Obama's new leadership. How these changes will affect our country and us personall remains to be seen?

We don't know yet what to expect.

However there are certain characteristics we should all expect from our leaders.

Here are few important ones.

In the ancient book on leaders and leadership—the Bible—we read how powerful King David of Israel described leaders. "He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God" (2 Samuel 23:3). Strong words for would-be leaders.

To be just, one needs to have his life in order in a righteous way. He also needs to be fair—avoiding playing favorites. His judgments must not be prejudiced and must be lawful.

The fear of God means that one knows he is not the ultimate authority, but will be judged by the one greater than all of us—the supreme God. Having the fear of God will keep one mindful of his actions. He will make sure that they are honorable and fith ethical teachings of the Word of God.

Moses received advice from his father-in-law regarding being a leader (Exodus 18:21). Jethro's advice included the need to have the skills and abilities to do the job. Leaders need to be truthful, trustworthy and must hate covetousness—people cannot be in a leadership role for their own benefit or take advantage of others because of thier rank or position.

Jethro also included David's advice, that a leader must "fear God" and follow godly ways to be effective as a leader.

So what should we expect to observe in our leaders based on the counsel from these ancient advisors? We should expect our leaders to have reverence for God and His ways, to have the skills to do their jobs, to be impartial and just, and to avoid selfishness and greed.

These meaningful characteristics should be in our leaders if they are to successfully in leading. We should expect to see them reflected in the leadership of our country—the United States of America.

By the way, it would do us all good to add these same leadership qualitites into our lives as well.

For GN Magazine, I'm Gary Antion.