“The Character of a Godly Leader”
Part 2
Men have to be qualified for
leadership in order to lead God’s people properly. The following qualities of a godly leader can
be found in Titus 1:7-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (Continuation from blog
on May 7)
1.
Holy: We are expected to live lives that are
pleasing to God. While we may error at
times, we are supposed to make every effort to live according to God’s
standard. We should never glorify or
showcase our sin as a means of displaying our humanity. Some have taught that it is necessary to
stand in front of the church and confess our sins. However, the Word of God does not support
this concept. In Romans 7:19 Paul says, “For
the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I
practice.” No one knows the specific evil that Paul is
referring to because he never reveals it.
The gospel is what wins people to Christ, not the demonstration or
knowledge of our flaws.
2.
Self-controlled: Exercising temperance allows
people to visually witness God’s standard in action. Where there is a lack of self-control, anarchy
and mayhem are welcomed. Self-control
displays the presence of God because God only exists where there is order. No order, no God.
3.
Good Behavior: A leader should display good and
orderly behavior when others can see him AND when they cannot.
4.
Able to Teach: He should be properly prepared
and well learned in order to give knowledge to those who are uninformed.
5.
Not violent: A leader should not be easily
vexed and should display a measure of self-control.
6.
Not covetous: There should never be a desire to confiscate anything that belongs to someone else.
7.
Rules his house well: This is a huge one because it
places the spotlight on leaders who have neglected their homes for the sake of
ministry. Some have declared that if you
take care of God’s house, He will take care of your house. But the Bible teaches that a leader has to
take care of their house BEFORE they can be qualified to take care of God’s house. If they cannot discipline their own children,
how can they maintain order among God’s people?
8.
Not a novice: There are modern day examples
where talent or status were viewed as a qualification for leadership, but the individuals ended up walking away from the position when the going got tough or a more desirable
offer presented itself.
9.
Must have a good
testimony within society:
A leader should display one life.
While everyone has flaws, a leader’s life OUTSIDE the church should
mirror the life that he displays INSIDE the church.
