Moses Hold The Ten Commandments The Bible appeared in written form around the 1st century A.D. Written at the time of Moses, a great leader and the savior of Israel, there is an attempt to document his leadership qualities. In this article, I will be looking at fifteen leadership qualities of Moses and how to achieve them today in your own life and career. Moses was a prophet and leader of the Israelites during the time of slavery in Egypt. Exodus tells the story of Moses’ encounter with God and his escape from Egypt. Moses is often credited with being the author of the Bible, or at least with having edited it into its present form. Today, many of the principles expressed in Moses’ teachings still apply in today’s world. For example, Moses urged his people to be moral and honest, to take care of their
environment, and to respect other cultures. He also taught them how to righteousness through obedience to God’s laws. It is worth noting that Moses was not just a religious leader; he was also a political figure. He led his people through numerous difficult challenges, including dealing with Pharaohs and defeating the Amalekites. In fact, it was largely through Moses’ leadership that the Israelites were able to enter Canaan — their promised land — and establish a permanent home
there. Moses embodied many qualities that are still important today — such as courage, faith, and leadership skills. His teachings provide a valuable perspective on life that can be applied to any situation. The Leadership Qualities of Moses TodayOne of the leadership qualities that Moses displayed was his ability to lead a broad coalition of people to freedom. He inspired them with his words and showed them the way by leading them in battle. In order to lead a successful group of people, Moses had to be able to communicate with them effectively. He did this by speaking in a clear and persuasive manner. His speeches were delivered with passion and conviction, which convinced his audience to follow him. Moses also had the ability to put people in positions of power where they could make a real difference. He gave chiefs responsible for leading various aspects of the Israelites’ life authority over their people. This allowed them to successfully carry out Moses’ missions. Throughout his life, Moses demonstrated the qualities necessary to be a successful leader. These same qualities still apply today, no matter what era we are living in.
Thinking Like MosesLeadership is not about having an exceptional IQ or being extraordinarily gifted. Rather, it is about thinking like Moses. Moses was a man of action who put his principles into practice. He was able to think outside the box and solve difficult problems. Moses also had a deep understanding of his own character and motivations. He was able to stay calm under pressure and never give up on his cause. These qualities are still applicable today, even in the most difficult situations.
Christian Leadership Bible VersesChristian leaders are often quoted as having qualities that are similar to those of Moses. Below are two verses from the Bible that discuss leadership qualities that are still applicable today.
ConclusionAfter reading this article, I hope you have a better understanding of the leadership qualities exhibited by Moses. Regardless of historical context, there are many lessons that can be gleaned from the leadership style of Moses and applied to modern day business in order to achieve success. By taking the time to read this article and identify some of these qualities in yourself and others around you, you will be well on your way to becoming a more effective leader. Among Old Testament Bible characters Moses is looked upon as one of the best leaders. Moses has a unique story which showed God’s divine design for his life. In this post I will share with you 12 leadership principles from the life of Moses. Photo Credit: Argenberg Each principle will start with a related Scripture, an observation about Moses, and then a principle about leadership. (If you want to learn more about leadership check out my book, How Time-crunched Leaders Develop Potential Leaders: A Guidebook for Busy Nonprofit Professionals and Church Leaders.) 1) Exodus 2:11-13
Observation: Moses saw what was happening to his fellow Hebrews, and he knew that it was not right. Thinking no one was watching, he took matters into his own hands by killing the Egyptian. Principle: When a leader does something morally wrong, that action can prevent him from having effective leadership. When a leader’s actions do not match what he says, people will not follow his direction or vision. 2) Exodus 3:1-2
Observation: God approached Moses in a foreign land while he was doing the normal work of tending the flock of his father-in-law’s sheep. In that ordinary situation, God approached Moses. Principle: God can approach His future leader wherever he is no matter what is doing. 3) Exodus 3:11
Observation: Moses saw himself as someone not worthy of the task of leading the people out of Egypt. He did not see himself as worthy to appear before Pharaoh or to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. Principle: In His sovereignty, God choses who He choses for leadership. Even if that leader does not seem capable of the task, God can still chose that leader. 4) Exodus 6:12
Observation: Moses was honest to confess what he perceived to be a weakness but also believed his weakness was stronger than God’s ability to overcome it. Principle: It is okay for a leader to share his unbelief in his own abilities. It is a sign that he is reliant and dependent on God, not himself. However, a leader must believe in God more than his own lack of ability. 5) Exodus 14:13-15
Observation: Moses showed faith that God would save him and the Israelites. However, God told Moses to get the people moving. Faith in God was not enough; the people had to act on that faith. Principle: A strong faith in God and His power to save His people is a good quality to have in a leader. However, the leader also needs to play an active role in God’s plan. 6) Exodus 14:31
Observation: The people put their faith in God and God’s appointed leader, Moses, after a miraculous thing happened. Principle: When good things happen people put their faith in the person who led them through what happened. Effective results of leadership allow followers to have confidence in their leader. 7) Exodus 15:22-25
Observation: The people complained to Moses because the water did not taste good. As their leader, he is the one they looked to and complained to. Principle: Even if the leader might not be responsible, he has to listen to complaints, even if those complaints are beyond his control. 8) Exodus 18:7-10
Observation: Moses appears to have a close and good relationship with his father-in-law, Jethro. Principle: A leader needs to have at least one close relationship. That person can serve as a “confidant” to the leader whom offers advice to the leader or encourages him when needed. 9) Exodus 18:17-24
Observation: Moses listened when Jethro gave advice. He did not interrupt him, but listened quietly and patiently. Principle: A leader must be a good listener. This means he stays quiet, listens to what is said, and therefore gets to hear what is being said correctly. 10) Exodus 18:24
Observation: After listening to Jethro’s advice Moses immediately puts that advice into action. Principle: A leader must be teachable. This means that he is willing to learn new ways of doing things and that he follows through on what he learns. 11) Deuteronomy 4:1-3, 5-6
Observation: Moses strongly encouraged the people to obey and be obedient to God’s laws and God’s desire for how they should live. Principle: A leader must urge people to live obediently and faithfully to God. Emphasis must be placed on living correctly in God’s eyes. 12) Deuteronomy 31:9
Observation: Moses wanted the Israelites to be obedient to the law so he wrote the instructions in a book and gave it to the Israelites. Principle: A leader must take steps to ensure that his people are faithful and obedient to God’s teaching. This means the leader should put the teaching in to various forms so the people can retrieve it when needed (video, audio, written, etc.). One summary that can be made about these leadership principles from the life of Moses is that God is always in charge. Throughout the life of Moses God was always in charge and always provided direction for what Moses did and how Moses led. Whether it was from when Moses was first called by God in Exodus 3:1-3 (leadership principle #2) or Moses taking steps to ensure the people were obedient to God’s teaching in Deut. 31:9 (leadership principle #12), Moses always had God as in charge. Another summary of these leadership principles is that Moses allowed God to mold and shape him. Throughout Moses’s life God was modeling and shaping him as the leader of God’s people. The example of Jethro offering advice to Moses about how to delegate work (leadership principle #9) is an example of how Moses was teachable and allowed God to shape him into the leader needed to lead and shepherd the Israelites. My Personal Application of these Leadership PrinciplesMy personal application for these leadership principles from the life of Moses is to rely on God and have confidence in Him. At times I feel inadequate in my own ability to lead people and do God’s work. But based on Moses’s life I think I need to have more belief and confidence in God. I need to have more confidence because if I am allowing Him to be in charge leading the way for me to follow, then He will do what He wants done. Another application is for me to be a good listener. In these principles we see Moses listening to God and listening to the Israelites. Most times I feel that I do not listen, do not empathize, and do not affirm the things others say to me as well as I should. This is especially true when people share their emotions and feelings in a situations where I do not share those same emotions and feelings. I need to make sure I am listening to the people I lead and actively adjusting what I say and do in light of what they feel. Question: What leadership principles have you learned from the life of Moses? What are the main characteristics of the leadership style of Moses?The Bible sketches an ambitious list of leadership traits ascribed to Moses, including humility, empathy and heroism, but also patience, self-reflection, charisma and wisdom, among others. Although few can emulate all of these traits, humility is one that stands out.
What can we learn from Moses leadership?What Leaders Can Learn From Moses. Leaders make mistakes, but we shouldn't run from them. ... . Use the tools God has given you. ... . Moses faced opposition with courage and confidence—not in himself but in the Lord. ... . Moses interceded in prayer for his people—even when they were difficult. ... . Moses knew the power of teamwork.. |