Whatever Happened to Criteria for Leadership?
Civility, politeness, courtesy, respect, decency, graciousness, good manners, cordiality, propriety, decorum, good character?
And then this:
Demagogue a leader who gains power by appealing to people's emotions, instincts, and prejudices in a way that is considered manipulative and dangerous.
“He thinks he is the wisest and best person alive and wants others to think highly of himself and of his teaching. He thinks that all those whom he does not himself teach or counsel, as well as all who do not follow his way or look to him as their master, are certain to go astray. He is neither righteous, nor humble, nor generous; he does not serve the poor.”
Jan Van Ruusbroec (1293-1381) Flemish mystic and theologian.
“Blessed is the nation that recognizes the hand of the Lord upon those whom He has prepared to lead. Seriously injured is the nation that fails to do so and chooses to follow those whom God has not chosen.” (Unknown)
Leadership is not a leadership of power and control, but a leadership of powerlessness and humility. I am speaking of a leadership in which power is constantly abandoned in favor of love.”
Spiritual Leadership By Henri J. M. Nouwen
BIBLICAL CRITERIA FOR LEADERSHIP
One Wife
Confident – Strong
· Bold not fearful
· Courteous
· Thoughtful
· Willing to Suffer
· Love Truth
· Have Faith
· Hard Working
· Respected
· Orderly
· Full of Good Deeds
· Hospitable – Love People
· Not a Drunkard
· Not quarrelsome or argumentative
· Gentle – Kind – Patient
· Must not love money
· Trustworthy
· A well behaved family, with children who obey quickly and quietly
· Not proud – Humble
· Spoken well of by people – good reputation – outside
· “Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends He chooses.” (Proverbs 21.1 – The Message)
-- Scott