By Mila I. Barquin
As we recently commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus, let us delve into the qualities of a good leader. That is, according to the Bible.
As per the Bible, the qualities of a good leader are as follows:
1. Must be above reproach. This simply means that there is no tinge of issue, stain or scandal the leader. The leader should always show courtesy, respect and love when dealing with parents, family members, friend, and the public they serve.
2. Must not be arrogant or short tempered. As a person attains a certain level of achievement, there may be temptations to look down on other people and make the people feel low or worthless. A good leader must always be able to restrain from thinking of themselves more highly than others.
3. Must not be a drunkard or violent. As the espiritu de vino or other substances may affect the normal functions of the brain, this may result to violence and even death. It is therefore of prime importance that a leader must not have any vices.
4. Must not be greedy. The Bible has shown how greediness has resulted to trouble. Adam and Eve’s greediness to eat the forbidden fruit; the greediness of the brothers for selling Joseph as a slave; the greediness of Judas for betraying Jesus. Greediness leads to corruption. Corruption leads to substandard or low-quality projects, which leads to deprivation of the people’s needs. Depriving the people’s needs leads to further poverty.
5. Must be hospitable. A good leader welcomes and helps everyone: regardless of age, sex or political affiliation. After all, a leader is not for the chosen few. A leader is for all people.
6. Must be a lover of the good and has self-control. A leader who prefers to always see the good in anything and everyone or has the ability to make everything good and beautiful. The leader who has self-control and avoids outbursts.
7. Upright, holy and disciplined. The guiding light for a leader would be his or her relationship with God and chooses the path of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a holy, upright and disciplined life.
As the May 2025 elections near, may we all be guided by the Bible in choosing our leaders.
