God gives leaders gifts and talents that fit the mission to which they were called. What raises men above their fellows is the degree to which they developed those gifts through devotion and discipline.
Discipline – Without this essential quality, all other gifts remain as dwarfs; they cannot grow. Before we can conquer the world, we must first conquer self.
Vision – Those who have most powerfully and permanently influenced their generation have been “seers” – people who ha e seen more and father than others – persons of faith, for faith is vision.
Wisdom – If knowledge is the accumulation of facts, and intelligence the development of reason, wisdom is heavenly discernment. It is insight into the heart of things. Wisdom involves knowing God and the subtleties of the human heart. More than knowledge, it is the right application of knowledge in moral and spiritual matters, in handling dilemmas, in negotiating complex relationships.
Decision – When all the facts are in, swift and clear decision is the mark of a true leader. A visionary may see, but a leader must decide. An impulsive person may be quick to declare a preference; but a leader must weigh evidence and make his decision on sound premises.
Courage – Leaders require courage of the highest order – always moral courage and often physical courage as well. COurage is that quality of mind which enables people to encounter danger of difficulty firmly, without fear or discouragement.
Humility – Humility is the hallmark of the spiritual leader. Christ told his disciples to turn away from the pompous attitudes of the oriental despots, and instead take on the lowly bearing of the servant. A leaders humility should grow with the passing of years, like other attitudes and qualities.
Integrity and Sincerity – Paul spoke of his failures and successes with an openness few of us are prepared to copy. Even before his conversion he served God sincerely and with great personal integrity.
