Generosity is a desirable core truth for any leader. Read Luke 9:10-17.

Jesus’ message and His ability to heal people from sickness and disease attracted crowds. There were times when Jesus teaching was so captivating the crowds demanded more by simply refusing to leave. At one point, He had approximately 5,000 people follow Him into a deserted place. As evening drew near, Jesus’ disciples came to Him and asked Him to send the crowds away so they could find food and lodging in surrounding villages. Jesus simply told His team to give them something to eat.

It is a common saying that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” As success increases for a leader and influence expands so does the potential pitfalls that accompany success. Successful leaders face their own bank of temptations that test character. Read 2 Chronicles 26:11-23.

Uzziah became king in Judah when he was sixteen and ruled 52 years. An entire generation living in Judah knew only Uzziah’s leadership. Uzziah’s reign mirrored that of Asa, Joash and Amaziah – it began strong and ended in disgrace. In the early years Uzziah displayed godly leadership skills. He implemented a system for developing Judah’s natural resources; he developed an elaborate military defense including a well trained army, special fortifications in key cities, and “machines designed by skillful men…to shoot arrows and hurl large stones” (26:15). During his early years, “He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God” (26:5).