Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
INTRODUCTION
The progress, growth and development of any group or organization are largely dependent on their leaders. Where there is underdevelopment or stunted growth leaders are questioned and criticized. The frustrations and torture we go through in this country today is simply a reflection of the kind of leaders at the helm of affairs. Little wonder, the clamour for good leaders. We hear this cry everyday and everywhere in Nigeria. From time immemorial, News papers and analysis from media houses are not complete when they do not speak on leaders. Even the scripture recounts in Prov. 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn”. Therefore, the way out is to have good leaders. The way out from stunted spiritual growth in many churches and religious organization is to have a good spiritual leader.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER
A Spiritual leader applies spiritual values and principles to an organization or group which he or she leads. The spiritual leader understands the importance of followers finding meaning in their discharge of duties. A Spiritual leader addresses basic questions such as: Is our work worthy? What is our greater purpose? What are our values and ethical principles? What will be our legacy? Are we making impact? For many, leadership connotes power, authority, honour, prestige or personal advantage; but for Christians, leadership is basically concerned with service. Matt.20:27 says “Whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be your servant, even as the son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Jesus was teaching servant leadership.
Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). It is within this verse that we see the perfect description for a spiritual leader.
QUALITIES OF A SPIRITUAL LEADER
A SPIRITUAL LEADER IS A GOOD TIME MANAGER.
Time in the organization is constant and irreversible. Nothing can be substituted for time. Worse, once wasted, it can never be regained. Leaders have numerous demands on their limited time.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER SEEKS GOD’S DIRECTION.
Is there anything more important in a leader than he or she seeking God’s direction? Proverbs 16:1 says “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” Verse 3 adds, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
A SPIRITUAL LEADER IS MODEST, NOT ARROGANT.
Somehow, we’ve all encountered the know-it-all leader, the “submit-or-else” type of leader. Proverbs 16:5 says, “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” Therefore, a spiritual leader should not be arrogant.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER IS A PEACEMAKER.
A spiritual leader must be peacemaker and bridge builder. He or she should have a mindset that is able to absorb misunderstanding and accommodates opposing viewpoints.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER IS FAIR AND JUST.
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice” (Prov.16:8). A spiritual leader should be just and fair in the discharge of his or her duties.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER IS A GOOD LEARNER.
A good leader should always be learning, growing and improving. The day you feel there is nothing left to learn is the day that pride and arrogance have taken root. A good spiritual leader is a good reader. So go for knowledge.
A SPIRITUAL LEADER IS SLOW TO ANGER.
Some of us know the experience of angry bosses. Often times; they yell for no reason, order, criticize and demoralize the members of staff. The Bible says in Prov.16:32 that “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” We must learn to control our temperament.
Concussion:
Man can only give you award for a job well done; only God can reward you. The time you spend working for God is never wasted. It is an investment in eternity. Therefore, I pray for you that the reward of good service will not elude you. Again, by following this exposition, simple steps and useful words, ensure you put into practice the letters contained in this write up. What is the essence of this venture if actions don’t speak louder? After now, let there be leaders with a difference and societies with drastic and far-reaching excellence.
