Whether we lead in our homes, at the office, or elsewhere, God has placed each of us in a position of influence.
After decades in business, I’ve read countless books about leadership. But one book, more than any other, provides vital guidance for leaders in any field and at any stage of life: the Bible. Through God’s Word, we discover practical wisdom, unexpected truth, and much needed guidance as we navigate leadership challenges in today’s culture.
Through this year’s BSF study, God has used these key questions to shape my own view of leadership. I hope they can help you too.
When do I hesitate to speak up and why?
Ezekiel was a prophetic leader who spoke truth with courage, even when it was deeply inconvenient. He was called to speak truth to the stubborn rebellious people of Israel exiled in Babylon. God’s charge to Ezekiel was clear “You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen” (Ezekiel 2:7).
Truth, even when it’s spoken, is not always heard.
God then reminds His people that restoration is His work alone, done not because they deserve it, but for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22-23).
In today’s culture, when it can be hard to speak God’s truth, we can learn from Ezekiel. Do you ever hesitate to speak the truth because of what it might cost you? I certainly have. At times, I still feel uncomfortable speaking out boldly.
Truth, even when it’s spoken, is not always heard. How freeing it is to realize that speaking truth is an act of faithfulness to God, not a calculation of people’s reactions or personal cost. Our responsibility is obedience, and the outcome belongs to God.
What role does prayer play in my leadership?
It is often said that leadership begins in private before it’s experienced in public. Daniel teaches us that prayer forges intimacy with God. It is not an accessory to leadership, but the very foundation.
Daniel was gifted with remarkable ability. He was among those “showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1:4). Yet he acted humbly and relied on God. He prayed consistently, not just in difficult times. He didn’t assume a task was ever easy enough to handle without praying—even when praying placed him at huge risk.
Daniel’s private devotion helped shape his public conviction. He trusted God and acknowledged Him always. Seeking no personal reward, Daniel recognized that everything—his talent, his position, his influence—came from God.
In my own life, I can easily forget to appreciate God’s gifts in success, while depending on my strength in challenges. Daniel shows us that consistent prayer fosters true gratitude toward God and increased dependence on Him.
Daniel's private devotion helped shape his public conviction.
Should I realign my priorities?
In my early career, I devoted myself to my profession and was regarded as an “expert” in my field. I took pride in how well I understood the Information Technology systems we worked with. I loved the work. However, it soon became the source of my security and provision.
Ezra, on the other hand, “had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).
This prompts the question: What if I pursued knowing God as intensely as mastering my craft? Understanding who God is would have shown me that He, not my own expertise, is the true source of my talent and provision.
Sadly, in those early years, mastery of my profession had not always led me closer to God; in fact, it often drew me away from Him. Ezra’s example inspires devotion to God who fittingly orders all things.
How is God using others in my life, and am I willing to listen?
There have been times when I have tried to avoid a leadership role placed before me. I either felt unprepared, was too busy, or just felt overwhelmed. Whatever the reason, I was quick to say, “Surely this isn’t for me.”
But like Esther, who was challenged by Mordecai, I have had to confront the question: What if God has placed me right here “for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).
I love how God often uses those close to us to challenge our reluctance, encourage our faith, and help us see the role He is calling us to play.
And when Esther finally stepped forward, she did not rely on position or intellect alone. Esther relied on God, and she leant on the support of others. She fasted first, asking her people to do so alongside her, saying, “I will go to the king…and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
True leadership is not the absence of fear but faithful obedience in the face of fear.
In her humble surrender to God, through Mordecai’s counsel, Esther was strengthened with courage and wisdom. And God used her obedience to bring deliverance to the Jewish people. Esther’s example shows me that true leadership is not the absence of fear but faithful obedience in the face of fear.
Taken together, the lives of Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, and Esther highlight the importance of leadership built on obedience, prayer, and devotion to God. As we look ahead to our study of Nehemiah, we will discover that God calls each of us to lead with purpose and perseverance.
Wherever God has called you, I hope you are inspired to seek Him as the source of your confidence and strength. I hope you have set aside the time to pray and study God’s Word. Because a life built on Christ prepares us to lead wherever we are called.
Not in a BSF group yet? To find a group, go to joinbsf.com.