Being a leader

If one applies for a position of responsibility and leadership, one question that he might face is what his leadership style is. Many different answers have been given to this question, perhaps because there may not be one right answer. Many books have been written about leadership styles as well, often extolling the virtues of one leadership style or another. In the recent times, people have talked about a resonant leader, a servant leader, an inspirational leader, a charismatic leader, and a visionary leader, among others. What does the Bible say about a leader? What kind of person or what kind of character would God want to see as a leader?

In rejecting King Saul and selecting David as the leader of His people, God testified that David was a man after His own heart (I Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:12). David was chosen because he was after God's own heart. This quality of a leader describes what kind of relationship the leader has to have vis-a-vis the Lord. First, the leader has to recognize that his authority or position of leadership originates with the Lord God. King Nebuchadnezzar was driven out from his throne and driven away from people, until he recognized and acknowledged that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." (Daniel 4:32). That is the fundamental wisdom that any ruler or leader must possess. Even as He was being tried by Pilate, Jesus told him that he would have no power "if it were not given to (him) from above." (John 19:11). Second, the leader has to work to please the Lord more than anyone else. Actually I think this applies to anyone, whether in a position of great responsibility or less responsibility. Whether you are a leader or a underling, your ultimate Master and Leader is the Lord Himself (Ephesians 6:9). We are to work not to win favor of men, but "with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord" (Colossians 3:22). The first criterion that Jethro recommended to Moses in selecting leaders of the people was that they have to be "men who fear God" (Exodus 18:21). A leader must have the right relationship with the Lord and work to please Him and be after His heart.

When the sons of Zebedee and their mother came to Jesus and asked to be placed on either side of Jesus in His kingdom, a dispute arose among the disciples (Matthew 20:20-28). Basically they all wanted to be leaders in positions of power and authority, rather than to be servants. Jesus then said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:24-28). This quality of a leader describes what kind of relationship he must have vis-a-vis those whom he is leading. The leader has to serve them. How? In the same way that Jesus served us. The leader has to have in mind the interests of those whom he is leading, rather than his own, and has to be willing to sacrifice himself and his own interests. A leader has to be trustworthy and hate dishonest gain for himself (Exodus 18:21). A leader is not a wolf or a robber of the sheep, but a shepherd, a good shepherd who makes sure that the sheep "may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). A sacrificial leader who serves to further the interests of the followers would be willingly followed.

Even though I am a follower of Jesus, it is no secret that I aspire to be a leader among men. If I am to be one, I must be after God's heart and serve those that I want to lead. I must be on my knees, praying to the Lord and checking if what I am doing or about to do is pleasing to Him. I must be on my knees as a servant, respecting others and seeking ways to further their interests. Can I drink that cup? If the Lord is willing, then I will be able to ...