The characteristics of a Godly spiritual leader reflect, in some small way, the virtues of Christ. Such virtues are obviously not the type that are catapulting people into positions of power at this juncture of the 21st century.

It seems our restless and somewhat intolerant society values feisty debates – where the winner crushes the opponent. We crave to hear someone telling it like it is – crisp and sharp, even if it wounds someone else. So many say: “Forget about nuance or being sensitive to the feelings of others.” Yes, we love it when our contender clearly stumps the rival by boxing him into a humiliating corner.

Sadly, the values of the world can influence our thinking about what would make an effective spiritual leader. It’s a sad day when Christians are hoping for someone to step up and deliver the lethal words that will shut down the other point of view.

We are on a downward trajectory when we value a leader who throws caution and diplomacy to the wind, ignores the perspectives of others and engages in rapid-fire, sarcastic put-downs to belittle and silence their opponent.  

Sadly, we sometimes admire these traits because we like a show or because it advances our point of view. We listen to people who boast of the way they manhandled a conversation with abruptness, and we smile or chuckle at their smart-aleck retorts  – as if it were a good thing.

The Apostle Paul strongly urged Timothy to adopt just the opposite style. “Timothy, if you are going to have a public role in speaking to people as a slave (bondservant) of the Lord, always display the meekness, politeness, patience and gentleness of your Master.”

Beware

Child of God, beware of aspiring leaders who have fast answers – who are always definitive and express their strong opinions at the drop of a hat – those who relish getting airtime. Beware of those who sense no reason to parse their words cautiously and carefully. Beware of those who are taking a deep breath while the other person speaks – not really listening, just inhaling air and catching their wind, impatiently waiting to launch into their own pontifications about the subject.

In the local church, there is no place for self-confident boldness, sarcasm, retorts, belittling words, or sharp one-liners. It’s not a place for bold and unapologetic leadership where the vibes are – you are either on board, or you’re out.

The macho world out there may place a value on all of these things. To some, it may seem to be the way an authority figure should behave – with a certain brusqueness and a less-than-gentle approach. That may be human thinking and our fleshly tendency, but it should never, on any occasion, characterize one who serves the Lord – a believer.

Regardless of how we try to rationalize such traits and behaviours, the Word of God leaves little wiggle room regarding how we should conduct ourselves with all politeness, patience, gentleness, humility and grace. 

Here is what Paul wrote to Timothy, making it unmistakably clear:

And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher,patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth.” 2Timothy 2:24-25 Amplified

If you are a young person wanting to help in the local church, or in Gospel efforts, children’s work, preaching, visiting or whatever, study the behaviour the Word of God promotes. As far as imitating other believers – only imitate them insofar as they reflect the lovely virtues of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) Don’t imitate them in any other way. May we not pick up the traits that appeal to our sinful flesh.

Above all else and above all others, study the Perfect Servant of Jehovah, Christ Himself. Study the words of Isaiah 42:1-4 and look up the meaning of the words and meditate on the verses.

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