What is your standard as you promote others to leadership positions? (185-4)

God has high standards and high expectations for those who accept leadership positions. Read Zephaniah 3:1-4.

Through His prophet Zephaniah God condemned Jerusalem for her sin and arrogance. The cities leaders were singled out in verse 4 when it says, “Her prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.” These leaders are indicted because their character failed and they violated the trust of their offices. When unqualified leaders have control, the whole organization can be ruined.

The leaders in Jerusalem were unqualified to lead. They had character flaws that made them insolent, treacherous, violent and lawless. Unfortunately, in our society, being unqualified to lead doesn’t mean being disqualified from leadership. Wise leaders examine closely those they believe have leadership potential before appointing them to leadership positions.

When the Apostle Paul was coaching his assistant Timothy concerning appointing leaders in the church he urged Timothy to do some testing before appointing anyone to a leadership position to insure they measured up to standards of leadership. Even though Paul was referring specifically to leadership in the church, any leader who possesses the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 will have the necessary character to lead in any situation. The following is the list from 1 Timothy 3 that Paul gave Timothy to insure a leader was qualified:

• A leader must be above reproach. This overarching standard is validated by a good reputation over a period of time. Wise leaders check references closely, and not just those listed on the resume.
• A leader should be temperate and self-controlled. These traits refer to restrained or controlled behavior, not given to outbursts but rather in a range of reasonable limits.
• A leader must be respectable. Respectable leaders live in accordance with acceptable standards of decency and display qualities worthy of respect such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, etc.
• A leader should be hospitable. This trait encompasses actions like friendly, welcoming, and generous to guests, even strangers.
• A leader should be able to teach. Teaching is more than in a classroom but includes a life that teaches by example and the ability to mentor future leaders.
• A leader should not be given to drunkenness or violence or quarrelsome. Avoiding each of these traits requires a life that is under control and focused on the rights of others.
• A leader should not be a lover of money. This trait speaks to greed and wrong priorities. A leader that loves money may even experience temptation toward dishonesty to gain financial reward.
• A leader should be able to manage their personal life including issues involving the family. This trait speaks to a leader’s ability to set proper priorities, their ability to commit and keep their promises. It also speaks to a demonstration of life’s integrity with those closest to the leader, those who see every character flaw. This doesn’t mean there won’t be family issues but it does speak to the effectiveness of their leadership in the home.

God-honoring leaders are character-based, worthy of respect, and above reproach. When appointing leaders, wise leaders look at character traits to qualify a person for leadership as much as the skill needed for the position.