The Kind Of Leadership America Needs
Well, the books that go along with our new series…
So, with Tuesday being Election Day, we are going to talk a little about leaders this evening. As we get started tonight, let’s take a few moments to talk about the direction you see America heading.
What do you think about the state of our country today from a leadership position?
How does today compare with a decade ago?
What are the qualities of good leadership?
Well, tonight, we are going to be looking at a discussion titled, The Kind Of Leadership America Needs, and this is based off an article that Rick Warren wrote.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls…”
Also, Proverbs 28:2 says, “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.”
I think that we can all agree that everything rises and falls with leadership. Leadership, simply stated, is influence. Our leaders today face the same temptations and traps that all leaders have faced since the beginning of time. These temptations are identified in I John 2:15-17. In that passage, it says, “1”
Basically, what we have here is the lust for passions, possessions, and position. In modern terms, that equals sex, salary, and status. Biblical leaders from the time of Moses to Jesus were tempted by these things, just as leaders are today.
In tonight’s discussion, we will look at 3 Biblical characteristics that every leader should have. Our discussion will help us gain insight into the character of national leaders. In addition, since we are all leaders in some form by the influence we have on other people in our families, our workplace, our community, our church, our social circles, and beyond, we will find lessons in this guide to apply to our own lives as well.
As we get started though, let’s open our time with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
1. God Blesses Leaders Who Live With Integrity
In Proverbs 20:28 it says, “Love and faithfulness keep a king safe, through love his throne is made secure.”
What protects and secures the leader, according to that Proverb?
Why does integrity matter when it comes to a leadership position especially?
What are some qualities of people with integrity?
David was a good King. In Psalm 78:72 it says, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart, with skillful hands he led them.”
What tools did King David shepherd the people with?
Identify some past or present leaders notable for their character like King David?
How can we tell whether a leader has a strong or weak character?
Listen to this next proverb. In Proverbs 16:12-14 it says, “2”
What do good leaders despise?
On what is sound leadership built?
In Proverbs 28:2 it says, “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.”
What happens to a nation with moral problems?
What it is that brings stability?
What are some characteristics of wise and knowledgeable leaders?
In Proverbs 10:9 it says, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”
What is it that people with integrity have?
What happens to those without integrity?
Determining to grow in personal integrity is a pathway to becoming more like Jesus. He led with true integrity and was the only flawless leader in the world. None of us is perfect, but when we lead with integrity as Jesus did we build trust with others. They will see us as credible and consistent. Beyond that, living with integrity is a requirement for God’s blessing. Too often, leaders try to sort out their lives, acting differently depending on the situation or the company, or the group they are visiting with. But the Bible tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and always. Our role as believers is to model His integrity before others. So, God blesses those who live with integrity.
2. God Blesses Leaders Who Serve With Humility
In Mark 10:43 Jesus says, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”
What must someone do to be a leader?
What are some examples of serving others?
What are some obstacles and excuses that can prevent people from serving others?
James 4:6 says, “But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
Who does God oppose?
To whom does God give grace?
Why is it easy for leaders to become prideful?
Listen to this verse. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Where does pride lead to?
How is humility rewarded?
In James 4:10 it says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
What will the Lord do for those who humble themselves before Him?
What are some examples of being “lifted up” by the Lord?
In Philippians 2:3-5 it says, “3”
What is not to be our guide?
Who should we be interested in?
Who are we to act like?
Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking less about ourselves, and more about others. What is it that makes this concept difficult to grasp and put into practice?
Proverbs 27:21 says, “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.”
How are people tested?
Why is it easy to be filled with pride when praised by people?
Satan did not worship God. He worshiped himself. Satan’s pride is the reason God threw him out of Heaven. According to the Bible, pride is the worst of all sins, and one with which we must do regular battle. So, God blesses those who serve with humility.
3. God Blesses Leaders Who Share With Generosity
In Psalm 112:9 it says, “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor, His righteousness endures forever, His horn will be lifted high in honor.”
What happens to people who fear the Lord and give generously to those in need?
Giving money is important, but what are some of the many other ways we can give to people in need?
Why do you think God has blessed America?
What do you think He expects from us in return?
In Luke 12:48 Jesus says, “4”
What is required from those to whom much is given?
What is their responsibility?
Why can it be easy to lose sight of the responsibility we have with all our blessings?
How can we be more responsible with those blessings?
Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
What does that verse say happens to a generous man?
Some people are afraid to be generous and give because they don’t trust God’s provision. We can’t out-give God! So why can this be a common fear when it comes to being generous with our resources?
Share some times you’ve seen God’s faithfulness in your own life as a result of your willingness to share with others?
In Matthew 9:36 it says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
What did Jesus do and why?
Compassion toward those in need is a Christ like quality. What are some ways we can show compassion to those who look to us as Christians?
In Proverbs 31:8-9 it says, “5”
What is the leader suppose to do?
What separates selfless leaders from selfish leaders?
Proverb 19:17 says, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.”
To whom is the loan being made when we have compassion for the poor and help them?
What does God promise in return?
What difference should it make toward our generosity knowing God stands behind the repayment?
In Proverb 11:24 it says, “One man gives freely, yet gains even more, another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
What happens to those who give freely and generously?
What happens to those who are stingy?
Why do you think God blesses generous leaders?
Why do you think stinginess, or refusal to share resources, leads to fewer resources? What principle could be at work?
It’s been said that there are 3 types of givers:
1) The flint-hearted – These people need to have generosity hammered out of them.
2) The sponges – These are the people who only give when they are squeezed.
3) The honeycomb – These people are always overflowing.
What kind of givers should we want our leaders to be?
What kind of giver are you?
God guarantees the more leaders are generous toward others, the more He will help them. The same is true in our lives. So, God blesses leaders who share with generosity.
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, as we close things this evening, realize this, God blesses leaders who live with integrity, serve with humility, and share with generosity. When we’re examining those who are running for office, we need to look for these qualities in their lives, just as we should in our own. Leading like Jesus, worshipping God with our lives, and helping others through ministry are the keys for breaking the grip of lust, greed, and power.
Consider these things when you go to the polls this week. Also, and possibly more importantly, consider these qualities when looking at your own life. How will you lead with integrity, serve with humility, and share with generosity?
Let’s Pray!
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