1. GOOD LEADERS ARE ABLE.
2. GOOD LEADERS MUST FEAR GOD.
3. GOOD LEADERS ARE PEOPLE OF TRUTH.
Let us now examine three other characteristics of good leaders that Jethro suggested.
4. GOOD LEADERS HATE COVETOUSNESS.
It is not enough for a leader to avoid being covetous; he must hate it! This greedy, lustful condition is condemned throughout the Scriptures numerous times (e.g., Exo. 20:17; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5). Good leaders will hate covetousness and will labor to remove the sin from the hearts of those who follow them.
5. GOOD LEADERS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE ONES THEY SERVE.
To be a leader is not to hold an "executive" position where commands are issued with no personal contact, involvement, or concern for possible needs or problems that may develop. Good leaders are accessible and they communicate well with those who follow them. They are never too busy to give personal assistance or counsel when needed. They are available and willing to help those they serve.
6. GOOD LEADERS DELEGATE AUTHORITY AND WORK.
They realize that they cannot do every thing by themselves in God's kingdom, no matter how strong or talented they may be. They gladly permit others who are qualified to share in the work, realizing that this helps in their development (not to mention the fact that more can be accomplished when work is distributed). For successful delegation, the leader should: (1) Clearly define the task to be accomplished, (2) Grant the necessary authority for the task to be completed, and (3) Trust the one to whom the task has been delegated (i.e., the leader shouldn't micromanage the delegate's every move or check up on him constantly, worrying if the job will get done).
There is no doubt that Moses selected many good men to assist him in leading the nation in the way of righteousness. Were these leaders perfect if they manifested these six attributes? Of course not. Moses wasn't perfect either, and neither are any leaders in the present age. Nevertheless, we should endeavor to support the good, spiritual leaders that God has blessed us with.
In our remaining time, let us briefly share some miscellaneous practical characteristics that good leaders should possess.
7. GOOD LEADERS ARE DEDICATED.
They are prayerful men who are committed, above all else, to the Lord and His church (Matt. 6:33). They do not take their leadership role lightly.
8. GOOD LEADERS ARE FULL OF DESIRES AND GOALS.
Their desires and goals are primarily of a spiritual nature. They yearn for the church to grow in all ways that are positive, and they continually share ideas and promote plans for accomplishing such.
9. GOOD LEADERS HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY.
They realize the preciousness of time and the need for evangelism and doing good unto all men (James 4:14; Mark 16:15,16; Gal. 6:10). They truly believe that "now is the day of salvation" and they act accordingly (II Cor. 6:2).
10. GOOD LEADERS ARE FINISHERS.
To simply begin well is not enough; one must also finish well. Seeing things through is essential to effective leadership, especially in a world where people drag their feet, so to speak, in every area of life. For a leader to be a finisher, he must be a good manager as well as a motivator.
11. GOOD LEADERS HAVE POSITIVE ATTITUDES.
They understand that they are the sum total of their thoughts (cf. Prov. 23:7), and they choose to think positively and be optimistic, even though they are faced with many challenges. Good leaders can maintain a joyful spirit by fully trusting in the Lord. They will choose to be patient and forgiving because of their caring disposition.
12. GOOD LEADERS ARE SELF-CONTROLLED.
They must control themselves before they ever hope to lead others effectively. Good leaders are always mindful of their influence, and they labor to conquer any questionable personal habits, setting a good example for others (I Tim. 4:12).
13. GOOD LEADERS LISTEN AND ARE TEACHABLE.
They realize that they are fallible, and can certainly learn and benefit from others. They do not possess a "know it all" attiude. Thus, they gladly listen to suggestions that are made and carefully consider criticism (cf. James 1:19).