What I Look For In A Leader

I am a follower of Jesus, so what I look for in a leader is some semblance of what Jesus declared is essential to our true humanity created in the image of God. Here is what I want to see in a leader:

Compassion for those who have been pushed to the margins of society and who carry heavy burdens.

When he saw the crowds, Jesus had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)

A desire to serve rather than exercise power over others.

Jesus said to them, “The kings of the gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather, the greatest among you must become like the youngest and the leader like one who serves.” (Luke 22:25-26)

Able to show mercy.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Committed to working for justice.

Let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24)

Shows humility.

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)

Makes peace rather than stirs up division.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Demonstrates faithfulness and honesty in exercising responsibilities.

Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. (Luke 16:10)

Demonstrates love for all people, without distinctions.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)