DATE: Thursday 01 October 2026
TOPIC: “WHAT GOD LOOKS FOR IN A LEADER”
TEXT: Exodus 18:14-26
MEMORY VERSE: “But find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.” – Exodus 18:21 (NLT)
True leaders are in high demand but short supply. There is always a need for leaders everywhere and every time. However, God does not merely look for people who can lead; He looks for people who can be trusted to lead. Jethro advised Moses to choose leaders who were capable, God-fearing, truthful and resistant to dishonest gain. These qualities reveal God’s priorities: character before competence, integrity before influence, and reverence before responsibility.
Just like Jesus turned Nicodemus’ attention from doing to being in John 3, leadership begins with who you are before it is expressed in what you do. Skills may open doors, but character determines whether you can remain effective behind those doors.
Good leadership is therefore an alignment of the heart with God’s standards. A leader who fears God will not easily sacrifice truth for popularity, compromise convictions for advantage, or use people for personal gain. Therefore, before asking, “How many people am I leading?” ask, “What kind of person am I becoming?”
Which quality in Exodus 18:21 needs the greatest development in your life? Who is that “Jethro” you need to listen to in this phase of your life?
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for bringing me into the month of October, please make me the kind of leader You can trust and help me build godly character into every area of my leadership in the name of Jesus, Amen.