If you asked a group of people, “What makes a good leader?”, I’m sure you would get a variety of answers. This is one of the questions where thousands of authors have contributed their input detailing the qualities and steps of becoming a great leader in this world. However, what does leadership look like in the Bible? We will detail 4 examples:
- Be an example of servant leadership
The typical stereotype of someone in a leadership position is someone who has authority to tell everyone else what to do and whose team serves him or her. In the Christian portrayal of a leader, it is completely flipped. A leader is an example to his/her team demonstrating the act of serving others before being served.
We have the best example through Jesus, who being the son of God, took on the position of a household servant to wash his disciples’ feet. As they looked at him surprised at the position he took, He tells them,
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. – John 13:14-15
- Seek Wisdom
As a leader in any field, it is a difficult terrain that requires navigating complex problems or different types of conflict. Due to this, it is very important to seek wisdom as a leader. In another story, we read about a key leader, Solomon, when asked from God what he desires most. He asked for wisdom to govern God’s people.
He says,
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”– 1 Kings 3:9
When God calls us to lead whether it is at church, our families, in business, it is not a simple call but one that requires wisdom from Him.
- Select the Right Team and Delegate
Working in a team and being able to share the responsibility is a huge component of leadership. If there is no sharing of the responsibilities, you can easily become burdened. One key leader in the bible we read who was becoming burdened was Moses. Thankfully, his father in law, Jethro, advised him to share the load. He told him,
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.– Exodus 18:21
It is interesting that Jethro didn’t instruct Moses to select just any men, but rather those who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate a bribe. Those who will do the work with integrity.
- Commit Your Work to the Lord
Lastly, it is important to commit your work to the Lord and not run with your own agenda.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. – Proverbs 16:3
Nehemiah is an amazing example of one who committed his work to the Lord. Despite obstacles and adversaries attempting to thwart the rebuild of the broken-down walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah committed his work to the Lord. He and those who worked with him completed the rebuild in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15), which was remarkable because of God’s leading and hand!
Discussion Questions:
- Am I demonstrating servant leadership? If so, how am I being an example to my team?
- Have I committed my work to the Lord and asked God for wisdom?
- How am I selecting my team?
Graceful Strides 