Leaders Don’t Need Titles

I’ve had the privilege of serving under some incredible leaders over the years. I have learned much about their lives and where their heart is by the way they lead. I believe that we have all kinds of unnoticed leaders in our culture. We have elected leaders and self-appointed leaders, but sometimes it’s hard to follow a leader who seems to lead without certain characteristics.

Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate each day watching the activities there. I believe he was there because his niece, Esther, whom he had raised as his own daughter, was now Queen Esther. He just wanted to be close by. He overheard a plot to assassinate the king and he reported it. He also helped encourage Esther to speak up for her people. He exhibited leadership qualities that caught the eye of the king when Haman’s wickedness was discovered. Check this out…

1King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. 2 And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. (Esther 10:1-3 NIV)

I noticed some important character traits about Mordecai’s leadership that was valuable:

Humility – doesn’t think more highly of himself than he ought.

Consistent – he was dependable and faithful to his post.

Wisdom – he was knowledgeable in the things of God as well as Persia.

Courage – he led from within his faith – the Lord gave him great courage.

Memory – he never forgot who he was and what he was there for.

Work Ethic – He worked for the good of all his people.

Loyal – he was loyal to King Xerxes who gave him his position.

I don’t like to follow leaders who don’t lead with most of these character traits. I do believe the Lord calls me to honor our leaders and respect them. He does not call me to blindly follow them when their leadership conflicts with His Word. I believe that leaders should seek the wisdom that only the Lord can give to lead and serve the people entrusted to their care. Mordecai was acting like a leader long before he was given a title and a position.

Pressing On!

Dwayne