Qualifications and Responsibilities of Leadership – Part III
From The HeartPublish date: 08/05/2012
I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP
I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP
6. A great leader is fearless, because they fear God and not man.
You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God's. Deuteronomy 1:17b AMP
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high. Proverbs 29:25 AMP
I tell you, My friends, do not dread and be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5 AMP
A strong and good leader knows what they believe and why they believe it. They have guiding principles, based on something solid, that are consistent, unshakable and non-negotiable. God’s word is the most solid rock that you can stand on in your life. His word is unshakable and immovable.
Truly great leaders rule with a deep respect for God – His will and His laws. A worthless leader makes decisions based on the opinions of others and not according to what is right. Leaders and judges who open themselves to be influenced by others make unrighteous judgments. Some do it because of a desire to be popular; some do it out of fear over threats from others. In any case, it is unacceptable and God will judge them. It is far better to fear God than to fear man, since God has the final say!
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
Fearful people are tormented people and tormented people make bad and wrong decisions. A great leader needs the qualities mentioned here in order to govern wisely, to administer justice, and to inspire confidence in those who follow them. They need to be confident in God’s love and approval on their own lives – because they have done and are doing His will. They need to have a calm and well-balanced mind in order to judge and decide fairly. They need self-control in order to be impartial and to do what’s right, no matter what their personal opinion is, or no matter what others do to sway or manipulate them.
The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 AMP
The wicked are full of fear, but the righteous, who have done what is right, need fear nothing and have nothing to fear!
7. A great leader is strong and courageous.
Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.Joshua 1:7 AMP
Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty. Acts 6:3 AMP
A great leader has strong character. A great leader displays courage in their decisions and judgments. They have the courage to follow their own conscience and ultimately to do what is right in the eyes of God. They are not swayed by the opinions of others.
8. A great leader is obedient to the law – the law of the land and the Law of God.
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Joshua 1:8 AMP
A great leader is first of all personally obedient to the law – and they apply it faithfully to others as well.
Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time — for strength and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:17 AMP
9. A great leader is able and God-fearing.
Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me, When one rules over men righteously, ruling in the fear of God, 4 He dawns on them like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, when the tender grass springs out of the earth through clear shining after rain. 2 Samuel 23:3-4 AMP
And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship. Exodus 35:31 AMP
You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God, which is [in His instructions] in your hand, set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people [west] of the River; choose those who know the instructions of your God, and teach him who does not know them. Ezra 7:25 AMP
It is God who gives a person the ability to lead and the qualities to be a leader. A great leader has great respect for God – they know that wisdom and ability come from Him and they know that they need His help on a daily basis, in order to wisely govern, lead, and/or judge the people under their authority. Every wise leader has a humble estimation of themselves and a reverence for Almighty God.