Choosing Leaders Wisely

“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” 2 Peter 2:19.  (E.S.V)

They say that politics is a dirty game. Everybody promises freedom and all its enshrined rights while many are just seeking their selfish interests. They are full of corruption and dishonesty. But this should not be the case. So, how do we choose the right people to lead us?

Leadership is a noble task and we should set high standards for those we put in charge of our wealth and future destiny: those we expect to lead us to a better life encompassing personal freedom, security, health, and prosperity among other requirements. 1Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9 gives us some good pointers on how leaders should be selected. Leaders should be people who are “… above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money…  must manage his own family well … a good reputation with outsiders …” 1Timothy 3:1-7. “…worthy of respect, sincere… not pursuing dishonest gain, must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; …., not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything...have served well, an excellent standing …” 1Timothy 3:8-13. “…must be blameless, … not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not violent, …must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined… encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:6-9)

A leader who does not fear God, who is promiscuous, who has proved irresponsible and dishonest in both his family life and past activities, who is violent and a habitual drunkard is not a good choice for a leader. A person who is full of wisdom, who is competent and commands respect with his track record, and one who is a positive role model is material for a good leader in church, at work and in government.

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“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”  John C. Maxwell

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