Characteristics of a Leader

The organization had experienced a number of managers who had lacked integrity, work ethic and consistency, and they did not want to go down the same path again.

Isaiah 11:1-16

Reference: v.2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: A few years ago I was helping a friend write a job description for a new position opening up in their organization. It was a management position and he wanted to work the document very carefully.

The organization had experienced a number of managers who had lacked integrity, work ethic and consistency, and they did not want to go down the same path again. Without dictating the candidate’s personality too much, my friend wanted to be clear about the characteristics that would be needed for longevity in the position.

Application: I wish that I had read Isaiah 11:2 at the time of assisting my friend. This lists the spiritual characteristics that Jesus had. As Jesus is the ultimate leader, I would think these would be great elements for us all to aspire towards.

While Isaiah was explaining that this was the leader to come, we have the fortunate perspective of living during Jesus’ reign. He portrayed these characteristics while on earth and continues to do so today.

He was wise and understanding, He led with counsel and might, He showed incredible knowledge, and feared the Lord more than any other man who walked this earth.

If we want to be leaders in our world then these are the characteristics we should be aspiring towards.

Prayer: Lord God, You promised to lead with wisdom and knowledge and You did exactly that. May we continue to learn what it is to be the leader that you have shown us we should be. Amen.

How can you develop these areas of leadership in your life?

future, integrity, Isaiah, knowledge, wisdom, work