1. NOAH: Leaders do what’s right even if they are alone
As Noah was boarding the ark, God said to him, “for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.” Literally the whole world was doing what was wrong. But did that deter Noah from doing what was right? Not a chance!
2. JOSEPH: Leaders endure in spite of circumstances
Joseph had a pretty tough life. He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph recognized that God orchestrated the events to put him in a position to save his family. Leaders have a vision that sustains them through difficult times.
3. JOSHUA: Leaders rule by example rather than command
After leading his people into a new land, Joshua offered the Israelites the option to either serve the God who they had always served, who had brought them into the land, or serve the gods of the surrounding lands. “But as for me and my house,” he said, “we will serve the Lord.” The people answered in unison that they will pledge their allegiance to God. Because they believed in Joshua’s leadership, they followed Joshua’s example. He didn’t have to threaten them; he merely inspired them by his example.
4. JESUS: Leaders are servants
One of the most powerful images in the life of Jesus was when He washed His disciples’ feet in John 13. When He finished, He said to them, “You call Me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Jesus, of course, wasn’t talking about feet. He was talking about servant-leadership. Great leaders focus on serving those who follow them. Great leaders wash their people’s feet.
5. PETER: Leaders recover from failure
Peter denied knowing Jesus three times while Jesus was being crucified. He realized what he had done and wept bitterly. In Acts 2, we see Peter giving the first sermon after Jesus’s ascension into heaven–to a crowd of thousands of people. Leaders don’t become discouraged when they fail. They don’t wallow in self-pity and give up due to the mishap. They pick themselves back up and continue on. Leaders do better next time
6. PAUL: Leaders are passionate for what they believe in
Paul was a very zealous individual. As a Pharisee, he violently opposed the spread of Christianity, killing and imprisoning Christians. When Jesus appeared to him and changed his mind, he became equally adamant about the truth of Christianity. Paul traveled across all of the known world, spreading the message about Jesus and establishing churches everywhere he went. Leaders are driven by a sense of purpose. Leaders have a fire lit under them and feel compelled to accomplish their objectives. There is no place for apathy in the life of a leader. Leaders always care…and care deeply. (DOUG RICE)