Day 31: Good Leaders

Reading: Psalm 18:1-6

A good leader passes the glory to someone else. David displays this leadership trait in showing enough humility to cry out when he's in trouble, but more importantly to give God the thanks and credit for rescuing him. When we take credit ourselves, the mentality is slightly self-centered. Yes, you may have worked hard to get to where you are. Yes, you probably sacrificed a lot to get there. But who opened the doors to your path? How did your family react to you working so hard? Sacrifice was probably all around, and those opportunities didn't just pop up for you. God put you where He wants you. Give Him the credit. Give your loved ones some credit. God leaders dish out the props where the props are due, like David.


Reading: Matthew 21:1-17

The best example we can follow when it comes to being a Christian leader is of course Jesus' example. He displays in this reading alone, many important traits it takes to be leaders.

Lead from your heart. Don't allow your position to be the leader. Be who you are, and use your personal strengths.

Gentleness. Yep, I said gentleness. Definitely not a trait you'd expect in today's world. But when we lead with a gentle spirit, as Jesus did, we find ourselves being considerate of others' feelings and not being self-absorbed or arrogant. A good leader takes their follower's opinions into consideration, and gentleness is the right mindset for that.

Avoid a big head. Jesus rode into the city on a donkey. In the equivalence of today's leadership world, a donkey would not be the ideal choice. This display of humility that Jesus put forth was huge in telling people where He stood - at their level. When you play the holier than thou card in leadership, you'll probably get crossed arms and a face of "you got to be kidding me". Humility works.

Though humility is important, standing up for what is right is too. Jesus shows this by walking into the temple and turning the tables on the money changers. He shows this when He stands up to the Pharisees and their religious laws too. A good leader is not a push-over. They keep the values and the bottom line in the vision no matter what, and they fight for it.

God Christian leaders pursue power from God, not of the world. They turn to the Bible and prayer for their guidance. Prayer is priority. God's plan is their plan.


Reading: Job 19:1-21:34

Good, Christians keep God the bottom line. They know in the end that He is all that matters. In they know He is ruler of all, and that in the end He will be all that matters. Job says this to his friends as the tormenting conversations continue on. Though we have hard moments in life and leadership, it is important to remember that God is what matters over all. Job's frustrations are comforted in remembrance of this. It is key to have an eternal perspective, focusing on things of heaven, and not of earth. 


Turn to God's Word as a leader. Make sure all your decisions as a leader being glory and honor to Him, and that you are following the examples He sets before you.