Our native gifts and talent are overrated, especially when it comes to leadership. God chooses leaders because of their hearts, not their style, image, or earthly accomplishments. The epitaph of a leader’s life will be written with the pen of the love they had for those they serve and their love of God, or the lack thereof.

Rehoboam followed his father Solomon to become the next king of Israel. He didn’t do well. We are given insight into his leadership, “So, the king paid no attention to the people” (II Chronicles 10:15). And, at the conclusion of his 17-year rule, he was described as “an evil king, for he did not seek the Lord with all his heart” (II Chronicles 12:14).

Two broken parts of Rehoboam’s weakened character, not paying attention to the needs of the people and not seeking the Lord with all his heart, became his downfall. That downfall has been repeated by other leaders throughout history. Rehoboam’s lack of sensitivity to the people created subjects, not fully empowered citizens. His lack of inquiry of the Lord caused him to lead only by his selfish desires and limited wisdom. It also caused the people to disregard God and His law and fall into sin by following a broken and compromised leader.

Are you looking for a leader to follow? A healthy leader is a person who places your interests above their own. Most importantly, look for a leader who is in constant communication with the Lord seeking His opinion and direction above their own. All the other leadership fluff and self-promotion that is platformed as success is worthless in God’s Kingdom. Those who follow, even defend such leaders, will never be led to a good place.