Most of us know the initials YMCA. Yes, it’s more than a song by the Village People. Some might think of the YMCA as a place to work out. Others might know these letters as an inexpensive place to stay. There was a time those letters stood for something. Young Men’s Christian Association. It was founded in London, and when it came to America, one of its early leaders was a Methodist layman named John R. Mott. This leader worked tirelessly around the globe to bring unity and Christian values to the troubled times of his day. And for that, Mott was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945.

Mott had nine questions that he used to determine the leadership ability of a person. Take note of these questions…maybe jot them down…and see where you stand as a leader.

  1. Does he do little things well? Excellence
  2. Has he learned the meaning of priorities? Focus
  3. How does he use his leisure time? Rest
  4. Does he have intensity? Passion
  5. Has he learned to take advantage of momentum? Timing
  6. Does he have the power of growth? Learning
  7. What is his attitude toward discouragement? Resilience
  8. How does he face impossible situations? Faith
  9. What are his weakest points? Humility

These are some great questions to ponder to see how we stack up in the critical role to which God has called us.

All throughout the Scriptures the Lord provides characteristics of those who would be godly leaders. The Psalmist said of David as a shepherd of the people he led, “He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” (Psalm 78:72 NLT)

Luke, the likely writer of Acts, echoed the psalmist for those who would be leaders. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28 ESV)

And Jesus set the standard for leadership with the example of His life and in His teaching:

You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

John 13:13-17 NLT

By the way, when John Mott received the Nobel Peace Prize, he concluded his acceptance speech with these words:

“…let me emphasize the all-important point, that Jesus Christ summed up the outstanding, unfailing, and abiding secret of all truly great and enduring leadership in the Word: “He who would be greatest among you shall be the servant of all” He Himself embodied this truth….”

Godly leadership is critical today…and is desperately needed. Strive to be the leader that Jesus desires you to be.

God’s best,