An old bible scholar desired to visit a country considered a Christian nation. More so, because that country’s president was regular to the church and even was an usher in the church serving communion to common people. Like the Queen of Sheba who visited after hearing about Solomon’s wisdom to learn from him, he went there. Sadly, as he got off the plane and took a car to the hotel, he was disappointed if not disillusioned. A good, godly person was neither good nor a great leader.
Shepherd to King: David was transformed from being a shepherd to becoming a powerful king. There are three things mentioned as elements of his success. Christian leadership exercised within the church or in the secular world or government needs those three. First, a sense of call, or conviction of being chosen. Second, character, the integrity of the heart is mentioned. Third, Competence, David leads the people with skillful hands. (Psalms 78:70-72)
Competence: The leaders were Christians, and many of them served in the church as elders and deacons. They actively participated in the church activities like other members, without claiming special status. However, they lacked the ‘skillful hands,’ or competence to lead the nation.
Governance: God is not the god of chaos or confusion but of peace and order. (I Corinthians 14:33) Godliness and spirituality should be expressed not just in the church gathering, but in the workplace. Christian leaders reflect God’s attributes in the workplace. Being in the place to govern the country, the leader was not concerned about the development of the nation and the welfare of the people. Roads are essential for the progress of trade, commerce, and economy.
Humility and leadership: Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated both humility and great leadership. Moses also was a great leader and the meekest person. (Numbers 12:3) Meekness or humility is not weakness. Humility gives the ability to be a good steward of power and authority in the right measure, at the right time for the right purpose.
Do I understand the Call, Character, and Competence as essentials for leadership?