The traits of a good leader

The last words of David…kind of.  We see quite a few more after this.  Oh well.

Anyway, his words here are very interesting.  Apparently they were words God gave him when David became king. 

One would only wish that all leaders would take them to heart.

When one rules over people in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings grass from the earth. (2 Samuel 23:3-4)

How often do we see bad rulers who rule neither in righteousness nor in the fear of God. 

Too often, we see leaders that are only after their own political and personal gain.  Which unfortunately is why politicians have such a poor reputation in just about every country. 

How many leaders can we say are “like the light of morning at sunrise…like the brightness that brings grass from the earth?”

But not only that, David points out,

If my house were not right with God,
surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire. (5)

David actually struggled in this area as we have already seen.  By the end of his life, perhaps things were better, but even before his death, we see a power struggle between Adonijah and Solomon.

But it brings up the point that a good leader should have his house in order.  And when he doesn’t, it doesn’t speak well for his leadership skills.  How can you be a good leader if you can’t even lead your own family?

And so for all of us, how are we at home?  Is our house right before God?  Do we treat one another with love and respect?  Do our kids honor us?  Or is it chaos?

When you step outside of your home, in whatever leadership position you may be in, do you do lead in such a way that you’re looking out after the people under you? 

And do you lead in a way that would be pleasing to God?  Do you raise and nurture and bring joy to the people under you?  Or do you only bring hurt and bitterness?

What are your traits as a leader?