Qualities of a Leader
Jubilee Centre May 6th, 2009
Which of the Zambian republican presidents’ teaching and life has influenced you? What made the leader so significant to you? Was it credibility demonstrated from being a person of character, compassion and competence? Which of these presidents has expressed deep sense of compassion and deeply held unto the values and virtues regarding the worth and dignity of Zambians? Do Zambians believe that virtues and values of the leaders are critical to the transformation of Zambia? Do we believe that the quality of character of the political leader is important to reducing poverty and HIV/AIDS? If we believe this what qualities do we look for into a political leader? Do we have any standard of the qualities of a leader we need?
As a Christian nation are we committed to the biblical vision for leadership? Does our commitment to Christ play a role in the way we elect our leaders? We ask all these questions because we see from the Old Testament that when Israel had a godly leader the nation prospered and when it had an evil king only few prospered at the expense of the poor. In Zambia only few people are prospering. Extreme poverty levels in rural areas stand at 68% and are more prevalent among female-headed households. Though the HIV and AIDS prevalent rates have reduced to 14% this is still too high when you consider the resources that are being put into stemming the spread of the pandemic.
It would appear that the word of the Lord that came to Samuel when Israel asked for a king has been fulfilled in Zambia. “… He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and gave them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your menservants and the maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen and the Lord will not answer you in that day’” (1 Kings 8:10-22
). Like Israelites during the time of Samuel, we too cry out, “We want a king over us. Then we will be like other nations.” Heritage Party president Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda alludes to the fact that the Constitution being drafted may lead us to One Party State (Post 4, May).
But other nations today are rejecting such kings. Nations today are looking for leaders with authenticity that flows out of an honest awareness of oneself (shortfalls and strengths alike) and trust expressed in listening and empowering the citizens. Nations are looking for leaders who are genuine, vulnerable, honest and trustworthy. Nations are looking for leaders who have character and virtue, who are accountable and exemplify humility to the people in the way they use power. For Christians, Paul points them to the ultimate example of humility and selflessness- Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:3-11). We are reminded; “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Zambia needs such leaders. Only a church that understands that its’ calling is to make disciples will raise such leaders. We can have a servant of the people.
