Satan tempted Jesus in the desert by offering him complete political authority [Luke 4:5-8]. Think of the power he would have had! But Jesus didn’t take it. Instead, he showed us how to lead with love, dignity, humility, and justice. Scripture has a whole lot to say about the character of good leaders and leadership and it adds up to two words.
Servant leadership.
Christianity, the Bible, and Jesus are all very clear that leaders are in the service of others, not the other way around. [Luke 4:5-8, Luke 22:26, Matthew 20:26, Proverbs 29:2, Mark 10:45, Luke 1]. Likewise, Romans 13 puts government in its place. Governments are institutions for maintaining public order, they are not divine; and they will be judged for their policies: “All the nations will be gathered before him…” [Matthew 25:32]
Christianity roots guidance for good leadership in integrity, humility, and a deep respect for others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” [Philippians 2:3-4] Effective leaders prioritize the well-being and interests of those they serve over personal recognition or gain. This kind of mindset sees others as equally valuable, nurtures trust, encourages collaboration, and strengthens relationships for the betterment of the whole.
Great wisdom for today’s leaders lives in these ancient words.
Extremists claim some leaders are ordained by God, above the law, and even their weaknesses and misdeeds are part of God’s plan.
These leaders question the Christian identity and allegiance of those who do not speak, act, and vote as they demand. They may also resort to manipulation, excessive control, or intimidation, creating a climate of fear and division in order to lead. For some, violence becomes a Godly mission of Christian soldiers who follow Jesus, the “warrior-king.”
When politicians are turned into prophets, personal ambitions are prioritized over the needs of the community and the servant leader becomes the served.
These are the kinds of leaders who, as they seek power and recognition, they will demonstrate a lack of empathy and caring and neglect the well-being of their followers. This failure to model core Christian values—like integrity, love, and unity—will create conflict, fracture a community and spiritual growth falls victim, too. This kind of leader, no matter their politics, is a clear threat to Christianity. And to our American Democracy.
Learn how to register to vote and get a voter registration card. Find your state's registration deadline and how to confirm or change your registration. Click here to visit
Any donation will help widely distribute Take Back Christianity’s unique nonpartisan effort to get out the vote through shared Christian values.
©Take Back Christianity 2025 All Rights Reserved
