Choosing the right leader for any field is a skill that all of us need to develop, and we all need wisdom for this.
Choosing The Right Leader
God Himself is the one who gives wisdom, which is ultimately what we need in order to rightfully choose the person whom we will follow, obey, listen to, take advice or counsel from, and give authority over our lives.
Consider what Proverbs 2:6-15 tells us about wisdom:
"For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong."
We see, friends, that God's wisdom saves us from making the wrong choices, and helps us to decide based on what God wants.
The Characteristics That We Should Look For In A Leader
Using the wisdom that God gives, we all need to exercise discernment and look for key characteristics that would make for a good leader, if not a godly and righteous one. Here are some characteristics that should be found in an ideal leader.
1. God-Fearing
In this present age, it's hard to find an authentic, God-fearing person in leadership. Still, it's very crucial. Proverbs 25:2 says that it's God's glory to conceal matters, while a king's glory is to search those matters. Let's interpret it this way: It's a king's glory to seek God and discover what He wants to be done.
In short, leaders must realise that God is over and above them, and that they aren't "the one" they could be tempted to think of themselves.
2. Thoughtful And Concerned
Proverbs 25:3 describes just how high, wide, and deep the king's thoughts are. Are the leaders that we choose the type to think of what is best for their constituents? Do they think twice and ask godly counsel before carrying things out? Do they consider the needs of the people? Think about it.
A leader who doesn't think of the welfare of the people before becoming their leader is likely to stay the same even after receiving the authority. Better choose genuine public servants who love to serve others.
3. Just, Fair And With Integrity
Proverbs 25:4-5 says that when the wicked are removed from the leadership, justice flourishes. In the same way, we should do our best to choose righteous, just, and fair leaders to take the lead.
More than that, we must look for those with a solid integrity. Proverbs 16:12 tells us, "Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness."
