Exodus 18:21
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
When Moses’ father-in-law came to visit him, he saw how Moses was the only leader to lead the people. Moses would take a whole day to deal with all the decisions that people needed to make. It was a tough job for Moses to have to make judgments between people who had disagreements. Moses’ father-in-law suggested to Moses that he find several people to help him lead, and he gave him qualifications that these men should have. Moses wisely followed his father-in-law’s advice which likely saved his spirit and allowed him to lead such a great host of people.
Being a leader is not easy. One of the mentally tiring aspects of leadership that followers don’t see is dealing with the discontent of followers with each other. There are certainly many good benefits to being a leader, but dealing with the squabbling between followers will wear out a leader. This is where a leader needs other leaders under him to help him in leading. However, not everybody should be a leader. Moses’ father-in-law gives several essentials that anyone who holds a position of leadership should have. Let me share these with you.
First, a leader must be able. In other words, they should not be a novice. Nobody should quickly be placed into leadership, especially if the one placing them into leadership doesn’t know them. When someone is placed into a leadership position, it will be obvious that this person is qualified.
Second, a leader should fear God. Fearing God is one of wisdom’s qualities; therefore, a person who is not afraid to do wrong should never be placed in a leadership position. People who say and embrace that forgiveness is always better than permission are revealing their lack of a fear of God. When you fear God, you will be wise never to do something that may be wrong. A person who fears God is wise enough to wait to find out if what they want to do is the right thing to do.
Third, a leader should be a person of truth. Liars should NEVER be leaders. A person of truth loves God’s Word and obeys it because it is truth. A person who lies will disobey God’s Word and lie about it to the detriment of those they lead. Nobody is qualified to lead who is not afraid to lie.
Fourth, a leader should hate covetousness. Leaders should never be about themselves, but should always be about helping those they lead. If a person wants what others have, they will lead in such a manner to use their position to build themselves instead of using their position to build those they lead.
Fifth, a leader must be able to take charge. These men whom Moses chose were ruling in their area. A person that is afraid to take charge will never be a good leader. Leaders must take charge of situations and have the ability to draw clear lines for others to follow.
Sixth, a leader must be able to make tough decisions. Leadership is not easy because you often have to make decisions that will displease others. A person who must always have the approval of men will never be a good leader. Only those who can make tough decisions are qualified to lead.
