Characteristics of a true leader

Characteristics of a true leader
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Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. — Psalm 25:5

When I first started working as a teacher and in leadership positions, I learned something that was unique about people. We all have a natural desire to be led. It really shouldn’t be surprising given that scripture gives many analogies of us as sheep. Sheep have a natural tendency to need a leader.

Even those who are leaders still have a need to be led at some level. Ask any CEO of an organization and they will tell you that they are constantly learning. They learn from the people who are working, other leaders who have experience, or in many other ways. This provides the guidance that they need to continue to lead effectively. While some may seem to be natural-born leaders, everyone truly learns to be a leader.

While we can talk about leaders for some time, a true leader has characteristics that are prominent above all. They lead people in truth and teach people as they go. These actions are the mark of a true leader. David knew that. He knew that to be effective in all the areas of his life, he needed guidance from the greatest leader of all.

You certainly don’t have to be a CEO to be a leader. You don’t have to have the title of manager either. In fact, put any title you want in place for someone and that does not make them a leader. Their character makes them a leader.

We all have a responsibility to be a leader. We should be leading others to the truth of God and teaching the world about Him through our lives. After all, those are characteristics of a true leader. But if you are in any leadership position in this life, that responsibility becomes even greater.

The characteristics you display in your leadership define who you are to those around you. Are you leading them in truth, sharing a Christian example? No matter the title you have, that is your responsibility as a Christian leader in this world. Show them you are different. God has called us all to be leaders in some way. How are you leading?


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