A Christian leader will have certain characteristics that guide his/her actions. I would argue that the believer’s good character is born out of his/her walk with God and this requires knowing God’s word in order to live God’s will.
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Ps. 1:1-2)
O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? 2 He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. 3 He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend. (Ps. 15:1-3)
The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. (Prov. 11:3)
In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Tit. 2:7-8)
A Christian leader is marked by how he/she serves and treats others. The biblical teaching is that one who wishes to lead must make himself/herself a servant to others. This requires a biblical mind and an attitude of humility.
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:25-28)
“You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:13-17)
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Gal. 6:9-10)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4)
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Col. 3:12-14)
A Christian leader may reprove others, but only because he/she cares about what is right and wants to promote justice.
You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may surely reprove your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. (Lev. 19:17-18)
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. (Prov. 9:8)
Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. (Isa. 1:17)
If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. (Matt. 18:15)
A Christian leader will be known by the words he/she uses when speaking to others. Rude and offensive words reveal a corrupt heart, whereas wise and gracious words reveal a good heart.
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. (Ps. 37:30)
The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov. 16:21)
Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him (Eccl. 10:12)
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Col. 4:6)
The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim. 2:24-25)
A Christian leader will have a calm disposition and be slow to anger.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute. (Prov. 15:18)
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. (Prov. 16:32)
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (Prov. 17:27)
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. (Prov. 19:11)
A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back. (Prov. 29:11)
A Christian leader will know how to handle the pressures of life. Pressures are inevitable, but worry is optional, because God has provided certain promises that help the Christian remain relaxed in the midst of adversity.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (Ps. 27:1)
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Pet. 5:6-7)
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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