Good Leaders are…

   Throughout our lives we find ourselves in the position of having to choose a qualified leader, of being one who leads others or doing both at the same time! So what are the qualities of a good leader? 

   Some of these qualities were demonstrated on a recent two day trip to Oxnard when Al and I visited my youngest brother, Jack and his wife Debbie. After a scrumptious meal which they prepared, we watched a movie in which a young man is compelled to stand up for his faith in God during his college philosophy course. It was a thought-provoking movie which highlighted the fact that a capable leader must have faith and courage to stand up for his or her beliefs especially when support is lacking from others.

   On Saturday morning we drove to the Ventura Botanical Gardens trail which winds its way up a hill behind the city. The path crossed several patches of succulents, cacti, shrubs and trees native to regions around the world with climates similar to the California coast. Groups of volunteers have committed to caring for plots of land in those ‘regions’ on the hillside. It made for a scenic walk with a great view of the ocean as well as good exercise.  

   When we came to a place where the trail split in several directions, Al chose the steeper one while Jack, Debbie and I followed behind him in single file. Al demonstrated an attribute of leadership in not picking the “easy” path. Good leaders stretch and motivate us!

   Near the top of the hill there were places on the trail where it was hard to get a good footing. My brother reached back to give me a hand in those tough spots, which was appreciated! Being in a position of leadership also sometimes means lending a helping hand to people and being aware of their needs.

    Once on the top of the hill, the four of us gazed down on the industrial part of the city stretched out below. Jack pointed out his workplace among all of the metal rooftops. He told us about the drug problem existing in that area and the number of homeless people in the neighborhood surrounding his shop. We took time to bow our heads and pray over the city. Justice, righteousness, truthfulness and the willingness to seek God’s direction through prayer are also valuable traits in those responsible for the welfare of others.

   Later that afternoon, we said good bye to Jack and Debbie and began the journey home. As we were driving on I-5 over the Grapevine, a CHP car with its lights flashing sped in front of us then began slowing down the traffic by weaving across all four lanes at 55 miles per hour. It didn’t take long before all of the traffic behind the officer was going at the same speed. This lasted for about ten minutes until the flashing lights were turned off and the lead car merged with the others.

   We never did find the reason for the traffic break because there were no signs of an accident or construction on the freeway. But the officer demonstrated valuable qualities of leadership, including having credible authority; using, but not flaunting, that authority; and having the necessary training to be able to carry out a difficult assignment smoothly with positive results.

    May the Lord give us wisdom to choose and to be excellent leaders so that we might all live up to the full potential He desires for each of us. 

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and godly lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1Timothy 2:1-3 NIV