Godly Leadership

As any of you that know me well are quite aware, I am very business minded and have a passion for leadership qualities and learning how to be a good leader.  I serve as a leader in many capacities, so when I heard the following lesson in Sunday School one day, I took close notes.  I'm not quite sure where the lesson came from, so I'm sorry I cannot credit anyone except the Holy Spirit working through God's Holy Word!  I know I lack in some of these qualities and have much room to grow.  My prayer is that I will continue to mature in each of these areas!

A Godly Leader must possess the following characteristics: 

1) Wisdom

"I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths." (Proverbs 4:11 NLT)

"For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Prov 2:6 NLT)

"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." (Prov 10:19 NIV)

2) Integrity: Who we are and what we do when no one is looking.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." (Prov 2:7)

If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever." (Prov 29:14)

3) Love: How we love is more important than what we know or achieve.

"Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure." (Prov 20:28 NIV)

4) Seeks Godly advisors

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." (Prov 19:20 NIV)

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure." (Prov 11:14 NIV)

5) Self-control

"Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people." (Prov 28:15 NIV)

"A food gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Prov 29:11)

6) Awareness of his influence

"When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.  But when the wicked are in power, they groan. (Prov 29:2)

7) Compassion

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12-13 NLT)

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

8) No need for public approval

"Watch out!  Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lost the reward from your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 6:1 NLT)

"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety." (Prov 29:25)

9) Submission to God

"The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases." (Prov 21:1)

10) Forgiving Heart

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)

11) Boldness

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7)

"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your words with great boldness." (Acts 4:29)