[Exodus Experience Series] Characteristics Of A Spiritual LeaderChikamu

The Loving Leader

In his book, Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders makes this short but profound statement, “Real leaders are in short supply.” You might ask why, and the answer is that leaders struggle with this final transformative characteristic—great leaders are loving leaders. They appreciate others and hold them in high esteem. 

This section of Exodus 18 concludes with verses 25 and 26, where we see Moses follow the counsel of Jethro and the command of God. Why? Because he loves and esteems the people he is leading. This final characteristic holds three truths. 

A loving leader is God-focused, meaning he loves God more than he loves himself and so, desires to do as God has commanded. The gospel writer John defines love this way: he says that to love is to walk according to God’s commandments. The loving leader loves God first.

The loving leader is people-focused. He loves the people he is leading. Moses did what was good and right for the people. Jesus defined love in the Upper Room when He stated the new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. In other words, we are to love each other perfectly, as we have been loved by Jesus perfectly. Jesus demonstrated this love by washing the disciple’s feet, by serving them. A loving leader learns that when he loves and esteems those he leads, he serves them by listening to them, leading them by his example, liberating them to do the work they are gifted to do, and by learning from them.

Finally, the loving leader is Kingdom-focused. He is not focused on building his kingdom; he is focused on building God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom is eternal; what is done to build His Kingdom will last for eternity. What a legacy! 

This is exactly what Jesus did. He loved God and did what the Father commanded. He loved the people by serving them and dying for them so that they might live. He loved doing the work of the Kingdom. Why are great leaders in such short supply? Because great leaders are known by their love for God, His people, and His Kingdom. The world will know we are disciples of Jesus if we love one another; if we esteem and appreciate one another. That’s what loving leaders look like!

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