The Character Of Godly Leaders

The Character Of Godly Leaders

The character of godly leaders. Around 444 B.C. wealthy Jewish landowners were confronted about their unfair financial practices against Jewish farmers. They responded in a godly manner and made things right before God and their Jewish brothers. Here’s the story.

The character of godly leaders. They are accountable

Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. We are forcing our sons and daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards. They were silent and could not find a word to say. (ESV, Nehemiah 5:1,5,8)

What happens to a nation when people prey unfairly on one another? It’s weakened from within by creating a ruling class that beats down the middle class. This was the case around 444 B.C among the Israelites. Nehemiah was the governor of Judah and leading an effort to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.

But in the middle of construction, an outcry arose among the common people. They were over burdened by the financial burden placed on them from the landowners–their Jewish brothers. So, Nehemiah gathered everyone together to address the situation and charged the landowners to give an account for their actions.

Did the landowners defend their cause? Hire attorneys to clear their names? Hide their money in offshore accounts? No. They were silent before Nehemiah and allowed themselves to be held accountable.

The character of godly leaders. They admit when they’re wrong and make amends

Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say. And the people did as they promised. (ESV, Nehemiah 5:12 & 13)

The leaders were silent before Nehemiah because they were guilty and knew it. And rather than run from it, they faced it. They vowed to make amends and followed through on their actions.

Of course, leaders are not perfect. And the lure of power and money is a significant corrupting influence. Furthermore, none of us like to admit when we’re wrong. Yet, even though it’s hard and painful to do, leaders with character admit when they are wrong and correct their actions. In other words, they repent. Which simply means turn away from sin and turn towards righteousness.

And this requires humility. But as a result, people are more likely to respect and trust your leadership as you build a healthy, thriving community.

The character of godly leaders. They lead to benefit others and not themselves

Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. (ESV, Nehemiah 5:15, 18)

Nehemiah was not a power grabber. In fact, he operated with a level of transparent integrity that clearly demonstrated a selfless heart. He used his personal finances to pay for his meals rather than use his government budget in order to lighten the tax burden on the people.

Today, we commonly see political leaders use their positions to increase their power and personal wealth. And it was true in the ancient world too. But Nehemiah chose to demonstrate leadership that was transparent and above reproach. Because he genuinely wanted to lead in a manner that benefited his people. He practiced a life of integrity for a clear conscience before God and the people he led. The example he and the Jewish landowners set in this story from thousands of years ago is a good model for godly leaders today.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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The Mark Of Godly Leaders

The Mark Of Godly Leaders

The mark of godly leaders. Around 520 B.C. a remnant of Israel was released from captivitiy in Babylon and resettled in their homeland of Judah. Two Jewish leaders were appointed to oversee them. Zerubbabel as governor and Joshua as high priest. And Zechariah the prophet had a word from God for both of them.

The mark of godly leaders. They submit to God’s higher authority

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. (ESV, Zechariah 4:6)

Zerubbabel, a descedent of King David, was appointed as governor of Judah by King Darius of Babylon. And it makes you wonder. Did he feel a sense of royal lineage? A tinge of kingly entitlement? We don’t know. But we do know that shortly after his appointment, God spoke to him through the prophet Zechariah. It was a reminder on who was the final authority.

Thousands of years later, the potential for political corruption and abuse of power thrives today. And we recognize the difference between leaders who wield power over people and those who work for the people. It all comes down to who you represent.

Zechariah reminded Zerubbabel that he represented the Lord God who was ultimately in charge. Therefore, Zerubbabel’s power was subject to God’s authority. And the same is true today. Godly leaders should not let power avert their eyes from God. But seek His Spirit instead. Because the nearer leaders are to God, the closer they are to the center of His will. And leading according to His dictates.

The mark of godly leaders. They are first to keep God’s laws

If you walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. (ESV, Zechariah 3:7)

Joshua, a descendent of Zadok the priest, was appointed as high priest. And responsible for leading the people in all religious matters. So you’d think Zechariah’s words to him were unnecessary. After all, we expect religious leaders to follow God’s ways. Isn’t that what we pay them for?

And by God’s grace, most do. But even religious leaders sin. And unfortunately, we still see those moral failures in headlines too. However, it’s seldom the result of a sudden, significant sin. But a slow fade. The result of not keeping regular, spiritual company with the Lord and less diligence to walking in His ways.

But when godly leaders pave the way to following God, His blessings flow.

The mark of godly leaders. They deliver God’s charge to the people

Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. (ESV, Zechariah 7:9-10)

The Bible presents consistent moral teachings that when followed, make the world better. Because they foster equality, fairness, and sharing among humanity. Not by legal mandates, but by moral agreement among the people.

Ideally, there’s a trickle down effect. God issues His law to the leaders. They acknowledge and submit to His authority. Then pass the law on to the people. And the people embrace it in their hearts and consciences in a desire to please God. Then live it out individually and collectively to form a better society.

Of course, the presence of sin will always play spoiler. And evil will cause conflict and suffering. But that will one day be abolished. In the mean time, godly leaders can help hold it back and influence those they lead to do the same.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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Winning The War For A Godly Mind

Winning The War For A Godly Mind

Winning the war for a Godly mind is a never ending fight. Because it’s one battle after another. And there is a real spiritual adversary who knows our every weakness and attacks the most fertile field for reaping a sinful harvest. Our minds. Here are three ways to fight back.

Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Fill it with Godly thoughts.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (ESV, Philippians 4:8)

What fills your mind will occupy your thoughts. So a Godly mind is intentional about what it lets in and allows to stay. Of course there’s Mindspace reserved for work and family obligations. Along with other cognitive calculations in the grind of daily life. But beyond them, what sources of news, entertainment, and lifestyle do you consume? Because they drive your thoughts. Frame your attitudes. And form your worldview. Too much slop causes brain rot. And gives your adversary, Satan, much to work with.

Therefore, guard what gets in. A great way to start your morning is by reading God’s Word. Play inspirational music in the car, when doing chores, and at work. Read, watch, and listen to content that promotes what is pure, lovely and admirable.

As you actively consume content that honors God, your thoughts will more regularly influence actions that honor him too.

Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Keep it purposefully directed.

Behavior is seldom completely random and impulsive. It begins with a thought. And thoughts are rehearsals for actions. Therefore, purposefully direct those mental rehearsals in a positive manner by…

Capturing your thoughts

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV, 2 Corinthian 10:5)

Capturing your thoughts involves immediately addressing the ones you want to push out. Rather than trying NOT to think about them, consciously replace them by turning your mind to other thoughts.

Renewing your mind

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (ESV, Romans 12:2)

Our minds are plastic. And while we can’t eliminate bad memories and negative thought patterns, we can diminish them by building new, Godly memories and thought patterns. God’s Spirit renews our mind as we honor him through praise, worship, and feeding on His Word. These new thoughts and activities influence Godly behavior that forms a new, Godly character.

Leaning on God’s mercy

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV, Lamentation 3:22-23)

We won’t win every mental battle over sin. But God is gracious. And as we regularly confess our sin and seek God’s forgiveness, he covers us with His mercy. In that mercy and by God’s grace, our minds can reset and start fresh with each new day.

Winning the war for a Godly Mind. Rest in God’s peace.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (ESV, Isaiah 26:3)

A Godly mind will celebrate complete victory in an eternal future. But it can still experience a present peace. Because peace in a Biblical worldview is more than inner tranquility or lack of conflict. It is achieved through a right relationship with God. So rather than seek within for peace, reach up to God. Because real peace is experienced through His presence in your life.


About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??

Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.

What The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches About Godly Love

What The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches About Godly Love

Hands form heart Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches

The Bible Story of Ruth teaches about Godly love. It starts with the love of a daughter-in-law for her mother-in-law. Then between a man and woman. And finally, the redeeming love of God for mankind.

The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches Godly Love Makes God A Spiritual Priority

In the Bible story, Ruth and Orpah were the daughter-in-laws to Naomi. All became widows. And life for a widow during this ancient time was difficult. Because women had little access to gainful employment. And were therefore, highly dependent on husbands and family members for support.

Naomi was a Jew, but Ruth and Orpah were a Moabites. So Naomi urged them to return to their families in Moab where they had a better chance of finding other husbands. While Naomi planned to return to her home in the land of Judah.

So Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth stayed with Noami. Making it clear she would not only follow Naomi; she would also follow Naomi’s God.

It was not a practical decision. Because the prospect for two widows with no means of support was bleak.

For Ruth however, it was a spiritual decision. One that exercised faith. Not just in Naomi, but in Naomi’s God.

When God is a spiritual priority and you make decisions on faith, it often looks impractical from a secular viewpoint. But you do so because you know God has your back. And you don’t measure the size of your problems, but the size of your God.

The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches Godly Love Is Redemptive

According to Jewish law at this time, a kinsman-redeemer was a male relative who acted on behalf a relative in trouble, danger, or need. And Naomi and Ruth qualified for all three.

Ruth ended up gleaning for food in the fields of a rich, Jewish man named Boaz, who just happened to be a distant relative of Naomi and qualified as a kinsman-redeemer.

And Ruth caught his attention. Not just because of her physical beauty, but also the inner beauty of her character. Like every good love story, the two fell in love, married and had a son named Obed. And in his line of descendants was Jesus Christ.

That’s why the story of Ruth is so important. It illustrates, not just how people demonstrating Godly love can redeem others, but how God redeems us.

As people separated from God by sin, we too are in spiritual need. And Jesus Christ rescues us as our kinsman-redeemer.

The Bible Story Of Ruth Teaches Godly Love Is Sacrificial

Ruth’s faith decision required a willingness to sacrifice. What if she had gone back to Moab with Orpah?

That would mean no marriage to Boaz. No son Obed. No Jesus Christ. And where would that leave us?

Of course, Jesus made a significant sacrifice too. Which involved dying on a cross and resurrection three days later. Which he did willingly to demonstrate God’s love for us.

It’s remarkable isn’t it? How God weaves what looks like so many random stories into a very clear, intentional work of redemption for mankind. But God doesn’t just care generally about humanity. He cares specifically for you. And your story. And wants to change it from bondage in sin to freedom in Christ.

But like Ruth, you have to make a spiritual decision. On faith. And accept the redeeming gift of Jesus Christ.

And when you do, you’ll experience a new kind of love story. One with a happily ever after. That lasts for eternity.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.

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