2 Additional Keys to being a Godly Leader

So often in our culture, when we think about leadership we revert to an image of executive boardrooms and suits. In this election year, we might even be tempted to think of political offices and campaigns. The truth is there isn’t a person alive who is not a leader. Leadership is influence and if you know anyone at all, you are provided with an opportunity to lead. If we lead, or how we lead, is up to us… but, for better or worse, we all have influence on those around us.Today, as I pick up in Part 2 of my reflections on the highs and lows of Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership in Exodus 32, I want to leave you with 2 last principles to help us be the leaders God desires us to be. (If you missed Part 1, check it out here.)

1. Never give up on your peeps.Moses had been on quite the roller coaster ride. Up on the mountain, he pleaded for mercy on behalf of the Israelites, only to be overwhelmed with anger when he saw their sin up close. (Moses had to have been mad to drop the first evidence of God’s writing and shatter the Ten Commandments!) His anger transitioned to conviction as he called up those willing to follow the Lord.

After such a tough day on the job, I wouldn’t have blamed Moses for turning in his notice. This was a bad day, but it was also preceded by years of ungratefulness from among his followers. Instead of quitting, Moses gets up the next day and declares, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin” (Exodus 32:30).

I’m not sure who God has called you to have influence over, but I know that it’s the darkest times that reveal your true character as a leader. When the people who you lead fail is when they need your humble leadership the most. Persevere.

[bctt tweet="If we lead, or how we lead, is up to us… but we all have influence on those around us."]

2. Always choose a God-centered approach.Moses could’ve approached God from a multitude of angles when he was asking for God to turn His anger away from the Israelites. Don’t miss the fact that Moses chose not to talk about how much the Israelites needed grace or how tough a journey it had been. Instead, Moses took his eyes off his people and put them squarely on his King. Moses appealed to God to protect His own reputation. He didn’t want anyone to accuse God of going back on His Word or being unmerciful to His children.

Sadly, a God-centered approach isn’t the norm in many churches, let alone most cultures. We’ve been lulled into thinking that everything is about us. When we pray, most of us ask God to bless our plans rather than seek His face and ask Him what His plan is.

In reality, we’re here for Him and His glory. Each day, may we care more about His reputation than our own. As you live out this principle in your own life and approach your leadership with this heartbeat, you position yourself to be a usable instrument for our King.

As you look at these two remaining principles, I challenge you to evaluate:

What type of leader are you choosing to be?

Don’t allow your leadership to be unintentional. Use the gifts God has given you to lead people toward the Giver of your gifts. You’ll never regret it.[bctt tweet="What type of leader are you choosing to be?"]