This is an Election year – a time when we are called upon to choose those who will lead us. This is also that time when we are called upon to make critical choices concerning our island that will decide our destiny as a people. So, now is the time for us to think seriously about the qualities of leadership and how to choose our political leaders.
You see, an Election is serious business. The outcome has serious consequences. That is, the decisions we make on Election Day will have long-lasting repercussions on our lives. The consequences, whether good or bad, will follow us forever. Hence, the importance for us to choose wisely!
We, the electorate, have the power to create and experience the quality of life we truly desire and need. One of the most incredible gifts given to us by God is the authority to choose. Gone should be the days when our political leaders be selected on the basis of party, family ties, friendships or gifts and popularity. Voting in such a way cheapens the voting process.
We are intelligent human beings. We must be critical thinkers. Thinking critically about the candidates will ensure that our opinions are well-informed and based on the best available facts. It will also ensure that we, the electorate, choose the best people to lead us. In choosing our leaders, it is wise for us to ask ourselves these questions and allow our answers to help guide us:
- What are the vision and priorities of the candidates?
- What is the leadership style of the candidates?
- Do the candidates demonstrate transparency, accountability, and integrity?
- Do the candidates demonstrate a ‘servant’s heart’ or do they behave as bosses?
You see, we the electorate, must have some guidelines for choosing those people whom we want to lead us. The Bible is filled with many principles that we can use in making that selection as well. Jesus’ model of leadership is based on the following principles:
- Servanthood- Matthew 20:28 states, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.”
- Modeling-Matthew 11:29 states, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” That is, Do as I do, not just as I say.
- Sacrifice – John 10:15 states, “I lay down my life for the sheep.”
These are principles that must govern our leaders’ lives if they are going to be people on mission for God and his people.
The Prophet Isaiah also outlined some principles that will help us to see some of the qualities of a leader. He tells of a leader that will be coming to lead the world. In this prophecy, we can find many characteristics that a leader should exhibit. Isaiah 53:2-11 gives us a peek into the true qualities of a person who is indeed a true leader. From his outline, he claims that a leader is: Not Concerned with Outward Appearances. Isaiah states that there was nothing beautiful or majestic about Jesus’ appearance – nothing to attract us to him. A great leader does not have to worry about his or her outward appearance. He or she must be concerned about people. A leader is someone with a great ‘heart’ for individuals. He or she should not be concerned about his or her looks nor about his or her own interest.
Next, the Prophet Isaiah states a great leader is: Someone Who Tells You the Truth, no matter how hard the truth is. A leader does not sugar coat things. He or she tells you the truth. This leader that Isaiah talks about is always honest and truthful with you about all things.
Also, the Prophet Isaiah tells us that a leader is: Willing to Sacrifice for You. This is someone you would want to lead you. A leader is willing to sacrifice himself or herself in order to save you – to make your life better, rather than looking after his or her own needs.
Lastly, the Prophet Isaiah states that a leader is: Someone Who Keeps His or Her Promises. A leader must keep his/her promises. You see, Jesus our true leader, kept all of his promises to us. He never promised anything that he could not fulfill.
Octavia E. Butler in her exposé, “How to Pick a Leader: the Leadership Selection Funnel,” also instructs us on the qualities to look for when choosing leaders. She said:
“Choose your leaders with WISDOM AND FORETHOUGHT.
To be led by a COWARD is to be controlled by all the coward’s fears.
To be led by A FOOL is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool.
To be led by A THIEF is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen.
To be led by A LIAR is to ask to be told lies.
To be led BY A TYRANT is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.” End of quote.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Therefore, you are encouraged to choose wisely and to let your vote count on Election Day. Vote for whom you believe can lead our island in the right direction – but remember that no matter who wins our ultimate leader is the one Isaiah told us about so many years ago: He is Jesus the Christ.
Remember: The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. Leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about one life influencing another. Great leaders create more leaders, not followers.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre.
