Value: Leadership 

Definition: The capacity and ability to lead with appropriate urgency 

Vital Verses

• “Come now therefore, and I will send thee (Moses) unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
• “And he (Moroni) fastened on his headplate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land.” – Alma 46:19

Scriptural Example 

There are many leaders mentioned throughout scripture. Some were governmental, some were military, some spiritual, and some all of the above. One example is Moroni. He was a military and spiritual leader who, at age 25, was given command of all the Nephite armies. Moroni was a strong and mighty man, with a perfect understanding. He did not take joy in the shedding of blood but in the liberty and freedom of his country. It was said that if all men had been and were and ever would be like Moroni, the devil would have no power over the hearts of the children of men.

Moroni led his people through several conflicts, including a long war that almost resulted in the destruction of the Nephites from both internal and external threats. However, because of his excellent spiritual and military leadership, they served God first and foremost, and they were preserved. Read Alma chapters 43-63 for the details of how God used this humble man. 

Life Application 

Good leadership is vital in today’s world, requiring courage, humility, and good situational awareness. Leaders have been around since the dawn of time, but not all have been good, God-fearing ones. Leaders can take their people down the paths of righteousness, like Moroni, or down the paths of sin (see many of the kings of Israel in the Old Testament). In the world today, we see the same things happening. Some leaders are good, and others …not so much.

We may not feel like we can create change, but if we are good leaders in our families, communities, businesses, and schools, we can make a positive difference. Look to be a leader in one or more of these areas, and show those you are responsible for (your kids, project team, subordinates, etc.) how you put God first. When you do that, they’ll see something different. That, along with the success you’ll have since God will help you in completing the task when you put Him first, will cause them to want to do the same thing. That’s being a good leader, and that’s what the world needs more of. 

Points to Ponder

• What are some areas of your life that need a good leader? Are you up to the task to ask God to use you in that position?
• Are you putting God first in all your “team” activities outside of church, like at home, work, community, etc.?
• Is it better to ask God to use someone else rather than you to be the leader of a specific task or project?

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.