[Exodus Experience Series] Characteristics Of A Spiritual LeaderSample

The Living Leader

As we continue our study of the leadership characteristics of Moses, we have seen that listening—to others, to wise counsel, and to God—is key. A second leadership characteristic is found in Exodus 18 verse 20. Jethro continues to instruct Moses and he gives three indicators in this verse. 

Webster’s Dictionary defines a leader as “one who guides”, and it defines guide as, “one who leads the way.” This sets up the definition of a living leader. He is one who leads the way. In verse 20, Jethro uses three words: teach, show, and do. These are wonderfully descriptive words that come alive in their application in the life of a leader. 

First, Jethro says that Moses should teach the people the statutes and laws of God. Instead of doling out judgments based on those statutes, he should make sure the people should know them. He should lead them by schooling them in the statutes. If they knew them, it would drastically cut down on the number of people needing to come to Moses to hear his rulings based on those statutes. God’s laws would become alive in the lives of the people. Like us today, if we know the Scriptures, we know what God wants and desires from us. Good leaders school their people.

Next, Jethro uses the word show. He says Moses should show the people how they should walk. A living leader leads by showing. He becomes an example. Good leaders do not say, “Do as I say.” Good leaders say, “Do as I do”. They lead by example. They are living leaders, the living example of what God wants for His people. Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, tells the church to imitate him as he imitates Christ: “Follow my example as I strive to live like Christ.”

Finally, Jethro uses the word do. Moses is to lead by doing, by sharing his life with the nation of Israel. He is to go about doing the work alongside the people. He is not to be in an ivory tower but to be leading by doing.

The living leader leads by schooling, showing, and doing. General Eisenhower reportedly said, “People need to follow a person who is leading by example.” Jethro and Moses would agree.