What Makes A Good Leader?

 When I think of a good leader, there are many traits I would attribute to the makeup of a person who fits that description. In fact, I found a list in an old notebook of 36 descriptive qualities of what I consider to be a great leader. I think of the people in my life who I consider to fit those qualities, my husband being one of them, and the people in the world who do not. It is interesting, to say the least, who ends up being in charge of things who don't seem well-equipped for leadership, and then we wonder why things are such as they are in those places. A mess of fear, anxiety, chaos, and unrest will likely follow a leader who has no leadership skills in order to calm the masses. I have so many examples, but we don't have all day. 

" A real leader speaks to anxiety and to fear and allays those fears, assuages anxiety." 

Henry Louis Gates 

While I have my list of leadership qualities, such as honesty, integrity, empathy, diplomacy, intelligence, compassion, cooperation, accountability, trustworthiness, loyalty, humility, transparency, etc... the Bible has its own list as well. I'd venture to say that if leaders were following the biblical version of leadership, our world would be a much more peaceful place where people feel safe, heard, and protected. This is not the case, however, and probably never will be as long as the self-driven motivators are allowed to "lead" us like power, money, and greed. (I apologize that I seem to be a bit cynical today. Did I not eat my Wheaties or what??)

Maybe as we think of some of these leaders we either respect or don't, it would be a good practice to put them under a microscope once in awhile. Do they exhibit good leadership skills as described in God's word? And if not, why are we elevating them? Why do we allow them access to powerful places? Why do we trust them with important things? I wouldn't trust them with a pet rock, and yet, here we are. (Yeah, it's more than a Wheaties withdrawal)

Good leaders in the bible are described as: 

Humble servants- But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:26 

They do not tolerate wrongdoing-  So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17  

They are honest and open- Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 12:22 

They make rules that people will be glad to follow- Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Psalm 119:35 

They protect their people- even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:10 

They are merciful and compassionate-they will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat nor the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. 

They do not tempt people to do evil-And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

They are knowledgeable and mindful- Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit. Matthew 15:14

They lead in peacefulness and godliness- for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:2

Their words are respectful- Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:16

They are hardworking- if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8 

They have good advisers around them- For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. Proverbs 11:14 

They are faithful leaders who work based on love- In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it-one from the house of David- one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. Isaiah 16:5

They have the will to serve; they're not greedy for money- Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 1 Peter 5:2

They lead by example- not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:3

They have skills and integrity- And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72

They are prudent, not hasty- Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won't he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Luke 14:31

They are a good role model to anyone- Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 1 Timothy 3:1-3

They practice the Golden Rule- Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 

Who are the good leaders you know? Are you one? Do you live with one, work with one? Think on these the next time you choose someone to lead or are chosen to lead. It's something I will be more mindful of going forward. 

I don't believe most politicians fit these descriptions, sorry. That's my opinion. Pray for those who are in these positions anyway, whether you like them or not. My thoughts are that people who DO fit these descriptions would most likely not get into the grease and grime of political leadership, but would instead lead pretty cool families, like moms, dads, and grandparents, etc.. and workplaces, classrooms, churches, companies, and the like. You see my thought bubble, I hope. We can all be leaders for Christ, and hold others accountable who are in leadership positions. A good leader would expect that and answer to it thoughtfully. 

 I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:1-4