Important Qualities that are Needed in the Perfect Leader

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What characteristics do you look for in a leader? How would you describe the perfect leader?

I believe leaders should be honest, live with integrity, and care about the people they lead.

I also believe the best leaders are God-fearing and wise.

Wow, can you imagine what it would be like if all leaders were honest, honorable, compassionate, wise, and God-fearing?

Psalm 72 is attributed to King Solomon. It is believed to have been written by King David who was asking the Lord to help his son be a wise and just leader.

Give Your love of justice to the king, O God,
    and righteousness to the king’s son.

Psalm 72:1

What a wonderful prayer for every leader and every child!

Can you imagine a world where all parents prayed that their children would be just and righteous . . . where equality, fairness, and godliness prevailed?

Good! Because we’re told that is the world followers of Jesus can anticipate.

In the midst of writing a prayer for His son, the new king of Israel, the Spirit inspired David to write about God’s Son, Jesus, the just and righteous forever King of all Creation.

All kings will bow before Him,
    and all nations will serve Him.
He will rescue the poor when they cry to Him;
    He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
    and He will rescue them.
He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
    for their lives are precious to Him.
Long live the king!

Psalm 72:11–15a

Jesus is the righteous and just King we can count on. He is perfect in wisdom and full of compassion. He is our Redeemer who saves us from sin, death, and the power of satan.

His name will be glorified forever and all who trust and follow Him will be blessed forever.

May the king’s name endure forever;
    may it continue as long as the sun shines.
May all nations be blessed through Him
    and bring Him to praise.
Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel,
    who alone does such wonderful things.
Praise His glorious name forever!
    Let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and amen!

Psalm 72:17–19

There are good leaders and terrible leaders and those who fall somewhere between. But there is only One Perfect Leader! There is only One King who sacrificed Himself for His people. There is only King Jesus who will reign forever and ever and always.

May we pray for our leaders to be honest, honorable, compassionate, wise, and God-fearing. And may we live with faith and hope in the Messiah anticipating His reign over the Kingdom that will never end.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer of Thanks for the Perfect Leader
and for All Leaders

Father God, thank you for Your Word that tells us that we can always count on Jesus, our King Eternal. Thank you for the way He gave us an example of what it looks like to be a Perfect Leader.

You tell us that You want us to be honest and to live with integrity. You want us to be compassionate and wise. And You want us to trust, love, and obey You. Those things are especially true for those who lead.

Lord, it can be frustrating and frightening when we see leaders who are more concerned about their power than they are about their people. I know I can give in to complaining rather than running to You in prayer. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.

I lift up those who lead . . . leaders of our country, our states, our schools, our world. I pray that they will humble themselves and turn to You. (2 Chronicles 7:14) I pray that they will lead with justice and righteousness. (Psalm 72) I ask that they will be honest and honorable, compassionate and wise.

I ask that You will help me stand up for justice and righteousness. Please give me the courage and strength I need to speak Your truth boldly and respectfully. Help me trust and obey Your will and live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus said…

 “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Matthew 20:25–27)

The quote sums up a good leader well…

“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” – John Stott

So, may we pray for our leaders. And if God gives us the opportunity to be in a position of leadership, may we lead with humility and love not for us but for God’s glory.

And may we live with hope and joy as we anticipate living forever under the perfect leadership of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

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