Wise Christian leaders seek to demonstrate obedience to God in their leadership. Read Hosea 6:6.

Speaking through Hosea, God is condemning an unrepentant Israel. Right in the middle of a harsh chapter, verse six gives leaders some very clear advice when it says, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” God will forgive leaders who repent, but His preference is obedience. Christian leaders need to adhere to standards found in God’s Word.

Even the best leaders are unable to turn some situations around. Read Ezekiel 14:12-23.

The Lord came to Ezekiel when he was speaking to the elders of Israel exiled in Babylon and gave him a message of condemnation for their ongoing practice of idolatry. God named three of His best from their Jewish history including Daniel, a very familiar one who was a well-known leader during the exile, and stated that even they would not have been able to save this rebellious people from themselves. Even though all three were full of integrity, character, and discipline, totally competent and responsible to do the right thing; God says even they could save only themselves because the people would not listen to them.

Effective leaders understand that discipline for the individual or for the team should have a time of restoration when the process fulfills its purpose. Read Lamentations 3:31-36.

As Jeremiah lamented the destruction of Jerusalem, his thoughts went to God’s mercy even in the midst of an extremely difficult situation. Jeremiah wrote, “For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, He will show compassion…to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice – would not the Lord see such things.”

There is nothing more dangerous than pride and arrogance for a leader. Read Isaiah 47:1-15.

God had given the people of Judah into the hands of the Babylonians to discipline them for violating their covenant with Him. The Babylonians in their arrogance desecrated the people of Judah and showed no mercy even to the aged. In their victory they said things like Babylon will continue forever and Babylon will never be a widow and suffer loss of children. God had foretold of their victories and had empowered their nation but in their pride they considered themselves indestructible.

Wise leaders understand the importance of their mind to the future of their organization. Read Proverbs 23:7-19.

In the Maxwell Leadership Bible, John Maxwell discusses Vision: Hope for a Preferred Future: