Character comes before capability…
In one of our Made for Dominion groups, we’ve been discussing Biblical Citizenship.
Yesterday, we looked at God’s requirements for civil leaders in Exodus 18:21:
“Select able men who fear God, men of truth, who hate dishonest gain…”
In other words, leaders are to be:
– Capable
– God-fearing
– Truthful
– Opposed to dishonest gain
After reading this, one man in our group remarked:
“If we simply had leaders who hated dishonest gain, our entire government would be transformed.”
Amen to that.
Notice what God prioritizes: not degrees, not experience, but character.
Yes—ability matters.
But even more, God desires men with a reliable moral compass.
Let this shape how we pray for and how we evaluate those who serve in public office.
Yet this principle doesn’t only pertain to civil leaders…
These qualities are essential in any position of leadership.
Including our own.
So wherever God has given you influence…
In your family, your work, your church, your community…
Pursue capability, yes.
But above all:
– Fear God
– Love truth
– Hate covetousness
These traits will help you lead faithfully, assess leaders wisely, and build lasting influence that honors the Lord.