Scripture Reflection

The qualities that Scripture looks for in a leader are first those that would make them an example to other people, or so that others can look up to them. Leaders need to have their own personal problems in check first before dealing with the problems of others because it will be much more difficult for them otherwise to be available for others. They need to be faithful to their role and of good conscience. They also need to feel an earnest desire to perform their task rather than simply feel compelled to do it, as Peter points out, because it's equally difficult to perform a job that you don't really want to do, or want to do for the wrong reasons. They should want to do their job because of its spiritual fulfillment and not to make themselves look better- or otherwise, be humble, and accept the authority of their elders. All these qualities make for a good leader because they allow them to be more effective at connecting with other people and building relationships. A leader with firm convictions and an earnest desire to lead others has the power to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others.

These apply to my life in the sense that I realize that I must be looking to pursue leadership for the right reasons. I know that I shouldn't be looking to do this because of pride or because I feel obligated to; I actually want to make help make a difference in my community through leading, and I feel that this may be what God has called me to do from my involvement and experiences with small group. I know that I need to overcome my personal problems before I can effectively deal with the problems of others, because otherwise I can't be there to help other people when I'm being distracted by my own issues. I do feel concerned that this might be a challenge for me because I am easily distracted when I have a problem nagging at my attention, but I will try to maintain good standing in my academics and in my relationships with God and other people. I also know that I have a sense of pride that I need to moderate; what I am doing should be for God alone and not for my own self-interests.

I hope that I can live up to God's standards of leadership and be prepared for what he has in store for me in the future.