Introduction:
Seeking True Leadership
Throughout history, people have sought true
and righteous leadership. We long for a guide who can lead us in wisdom,
justice, and truth. But who is indeed qualified to lead us? What qualities
should we look for in a leader? The Historical Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of
John, and the Epistle of James—alongside the Messianic teachings from the Old
Testament—offer profound insights into this question.
Let’s explore what these scriptures reveal about leadership and who is fit to guide God’s people.
The
Qualities of a True Leader
1. A Leader
Who Serves, Not Rules
Jesus taught that authentic leadership is not
about power or dominance but servitude. In Matthew 20:25-28, he made this
clear:
"Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles
exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon
them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you,
let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be
your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
According to the Historical Jesus, a true
leader serves rather than seeks to control. Leadership is an act of love and
sacrifice, not a pursuit of personal gain.
2. A Leader
Who Obeys God’s Commandments
A righteous leader does not make their own
rules but follows the commands of God. As Jesus declared:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the
law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." (Matthew 5:17)
Similarly, the Book of James emphasizes that
faith must be backed by righteous action:
"But be ye doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22)
Authentic leadership comes from obedience to
God’s law, not from human traditions or personal interpretations.
3. A Leader
Who Speaks Truth
John 8:31-32 records Jesus saying:
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye
my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free."
A leader must guide people in truth, not in
deception or compromise. Just as Moses, David, and the prophets spoke truth
despite opposition, any true leader must stand firm in God's word.
The
Messianic Model: The One Anointed to Lead
1. The
Shepherd Who Gathers the Lost
Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a
shepherd who would gather His people. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, as
seen in John 10:14-16:
"I am the good shepherd, and know my
sheep, and am known of mine... And other sheep I have, which are not of this
fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be
one fold, and one shepherd."
A true leader gathers, unites, and leads
people in righteousness.
2. A Leader
Who Walks in Righteousness
Isaiah 11:2-5 describes the coming Messiah:
"And the spirit of the Lord shall rest
upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and
might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord... with
righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of
the earth."
A true leader does not seek power but upholds
justice, wisdom, and righteousness.
The
Contrast: False Leaders vs. True Leaders
1. False
Leaders Seek Power and Recognition
Jesus warned against false leaders who seek
status rather than service. In Matthew 23:5-7, he rebuked the religious elite:
"But all their works they do for to be
seen of men... And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in
the synagogues."
Authentic leadership isn’t about titles or
power—it’s about guiding others in truth, light, love, strength, labor, and
wisdom - the six pillars of being a good leader. Just as the Good Shepherd
leads His flock.
Authentic leadership isn’t about titles or power; it’s about guiding others' lives in accordance with the six pillars of righteousness – truth, light, love, strength, labor, and wisdom. Just as the
Good Shepherd leads His flock.
2. True
Leaders Bear Good Fruit
A key test of a leader’s legitimacy is their
actions. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16-17:
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do
men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree
bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."
A righteous leader's actions align with God's will, producing goodness
rather than the deception and self-serving corruption that false leaders—even
those claiming divine authority—may embody.
Conclusion:
Who Can Lead Us?
The Bible provides a clear answer: True leaders serve, obey God, speak truth, and walk in righteousness. Jesus, as the Messiah, embodies these qualities perfectly and shows us the path to genuine leadership.
A highly qualified leader reflects the
teachings of the historical Jesus—a shepherd who selflessly tends his flock,
upholds justice, and follows God’s will without compromise. He did not seek
earthly power but led through humility, healing the broken, uplifting the poor,
and calling people to righteousness. His leadership was not about control but
guiding others' lives to unshakable truth, radiant light, unwavering love,
enduring strength, diligent labor, and timeless wisdom.
As we search for leaders—whether in our faith,
communities, or personal lives—we must ask: Do they serve instead of rule? Do they stand firm on the sacred pillars of righteousness
rather than pursue their interests? May we all seek and follow leaders aligned
with God's principles, striving to lead with humility, wisdom, and integrity.
Until next time, farewell and take care.
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