There are many great qualities that a leader has. However some leaders will have different qualities than other leaders. For me the two biggest qualities that I look for in a leader are confidence and patience. I am a leader on my soccer team and trust me, it isn’t always easy to lead.
Moses was a brave leader. In Chapter 14 of the book of Exodus the Israelites, led by Moses had just fled Egypt and were camping beside the red sea. The Pharaoh was angered by the Israelites fleeing and went after them with his chariots. When the Israelites saw that the Egyptians were coming for them they cried out to God, but also yelled at Moses saying “We should’ve stayed in Egypt.” Moses responded to them saying “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14-NIV).
After Moses said this, the Lord spoke to him. “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen” (Exodus 14:17-18 NIV).
Moses did as God asked of him and God parted the waters of the Red Sea and freed the Israelites. Moses was an excellent leader. He followed God’s commands and was patient and confident when speaking to the worrying Israelites. This summer I get the privilege to learn even more about what it means to be a leader by doing the SALT program at Southside Community Church with many of my fellow youth group friends. What I look forward to learning the most is the biblical side if leadership. Leadership and biblical leadership can be very different.
I have met many leaders in my life but not as many biblical leaders. Biblical leaders set an example of good faith and leading people to one day know Jesus. Also a biblical leader could help teach young leaders how to lead with faith. What I am looking forward to improving in my leadership skills this summer is developing my ability to help lead others to Christ. I can sometimes shy away from opportunities of sharing about God with my peers. So I really want to develop more confidence and not shying away from sharing my faith.