When we think of some of the great leaders that we have seen or read about in history, a number of people could come to mind. We might think of past presidents, like George Washington, who rallied the country under daunting circumstances. We may also remember former military leaders, such as General Douglas MacArthur, who, in the heat of battle, motivated their troops to press on through all adversity. However, today it is harder to find leaders that have that kind of solid determination and toughness. Where are the leaders that do not waver or look to opinion polls for their decisions? What does it take to be a leader? This society’s political and military leaders are taught and trained by people, with a certain degree of success. But if we learn leadership from God, we can become great leaders with God and men.
Start with the real training manual
We live in a society that fails to use one of the greatest resources available for leadership training—the Bible. Even many churches pass up the Bible as a training manual, opting rather to use only secular books and materials for this important endeavor. How can the world’s corrupted thoughts and ideas be the only basis for godly leadership?
Paul trained young Timothy to lead the various age groups he would encounter in his ministry: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. Honor widows who are really widows” (I Tim. 5:1–3). He also pointed Timothy to the Scriptures for guidance: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Tim. 3:16–17). We have the access to the same training material today.
God wants to use us as leaders in the Kingdom of God, soon to be set up on this earth. When we study those God placed over His people through the ages, we will notice common character traits, which God had to develop in them over time. He will develop these same traits in us if we yield to Him. For many, famous last names or initials preceding or following a name seem to qualify people as leaders. But is that what God thinks? What characteristics does God look for in a leader?
Humility
The starting point for any good leader should be humility. This is revealed in the training manual: “…But this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2 RSV). Humility is definitely not one of the characteristics that stands out with our modern leaders. They are not trained to think about humility. Some would view it as a weakness; however, it allows God to be our source of wisdom and strength. Along with humility, we should deeply respect all of His word. Notice the relationship of respect and humility in Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility” (15:33). We need the humility to accept God’s wisdom and instruction in order to become good leaders.
One of history’s most outstanding leaders is described as having this vital characteristic: “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3). Was Moses weak? When Israel was trapped between the Red Sea on one side and Pharaoh’s army on the other, Moses showed powerful leadership, instructing Israel to “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still” (Ex. 14:13–14 RSV). Because he was humble, Moses put his confidence in God’s power. He turned to God—not to himself or others around him—for wisdom, strength, and guidance in times of crisis. We too can be leaders if we start first with humility. This is not the first step in worldly leadership courses, but with God it is a must–have characteristic.
Obedience
If we want to learn to be good leaders we must first learn to follow. This is the part Lucifer didn’t like (Isa. 14:12–14). He has worked to instill disobedience in humans ever since he was cast out of his position of leadership in God’s government. What about us? Are we learning to obediently follow God so we can be leaders in God’s soon–coming Kingdom? Are we striving to be obedient to God’s commandments and God’s instructions? Does it make a difference to us if the instructions are coming from a human leader? We must learn to follow God’s human leadership—as they follow Christ—with an obedient attitude. God is calling and training his future “cabinet” members for his government—a lifetime appointment. There will be no place for rebellion, only obedience.
Before Joshua obtained his position, he had to train in the shadow of Moses for years. He learned to follow Moses as Moses followed God, showing his willingness to obey: “As the Lord had commanded Moses His servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses” (Josh. 11:15). Joshua had learned obedience to God and God’s chosen leader—and so must we.
Mercy
Mercy, like humility, is often misconstrued as a weakness in a leader. However, it is a must if we are to be leaders in God’s government. The skills that we are learning today will be put to use in the millennium as we lead those who come through the great tribulation. Those traumatized individuals who survive that horrendous time yet to come will need compassion and mercy from their rulers and teachers.
When the people came to Jesus in the temple, He did not bark out orders. He taught and showed mercy, as seen in his response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3–6). Jesus could have condemned her for her sin, which carried the penalty of death by stoning. Instead, He granted her mercy, telling her to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). There will be times when we must be firm and apply tough love, but we must always have mercy.
Humility, mercy and obedience may not be found in this world’s leadership handbooks. They are not considered popular or necessary for modern leaders. However, according to the Bible, God’s training manual for leaders, these character traits are vital. In the Bible we see a pattern of leadership that starts with humility, continues in obedience and ends with incredible mercy. If we want to become great leaders with God and men, we must learn from God His standards for good leadership.