Able, Truthful & Honest 

(Ex 18.17-27) 

Requirements for leadership! How well are our elected leaders, at any level, doing in these categories? We MUST hold each of them accountable, regardless of whether or not they are part of your favorite 'party.'

Moses was given instruction by his father-in-law on how to avoid burn-out and how to protect the people from 'leadership' fatigue.

What an astute observation from Moses' father-in-law, perhaps almost 3500 years ago.

People can, and do, get absolutely worn out from inadequate leadership. Some leadership styles can leave you tired and irritable.

The first requirement is for us to "select capable leaders from all the people--leaders who will fear God, be trustworthy, hate dishonesty and greed..."

This month our nation celebrates and observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is fitting as Dr. King was an outstanding example of leadership which arose for the occasion. He, like Esther in the Old Testament, was undoubtedly 'brought to the kingdom for such a time' as his in the 1960's.

It is imperative, whether it is leadership in the church, school board, city, county, state or federal elected positions that we hold all our leaders to this standard - "...capable...who fear God, be trustworthy, hate dishonesty and greed..." 

Human nature leads us to excuse behavior from someone we like - while dealing harshly with someone we don't like who exhibits similar behavior.

We must deal fairly and consistently in applying our expectations of leadership. While no one is perfect - there is a level of competence, trust, truth, and ethical business practice which we must demand from leadership at all levels. "Of whom much is given, much is required."

Almost everyone recognizes that verse, or at least that portion of the verse. The last part of the verse is not often included in the quote: "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48 N.I.V.

They wanted the job and have 'been entrusted with much...' Now, lest they wear us out, let's hold them accountable for lack of competence, breach of trust, untruthfulness, and unethical business practices.

If anyone should be above reproach in all their dealings, it must be those who have 'been entrusted with much.'

It is imperative that Christians learn from the examples of men such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and raise the voice of moral outrage demanding moral authority and behavior on the part of our leaders!

If we don't, the efforts of Dr. King and the many others down through the years will have been in vain. It requires constant vigilance because evil triumphs easily when good people do nothing.

I do believe we are at a crucial point in our nation's existence. Our greatest threat isn't terrorism (Ps 91:5) nor is it immigration (Ex 22:21), it is woefully inadequate leadership at virtually all levels in our society.

God, please give us men and women who are capable, who fear God and are trustworthy, who hate dishonesty and greed. And give us the good sense to vote for them regardless of their political party affiliation!