Qualifications for Leadership

What are the qualifications for leadership in an established corporation? Education, training, and experience in the specific field for which the applicant is competing would be appropriate expectations. Has the applicant been successful in implementing new, more efficient procedures? Are his/her concerns broad but concrete, or superficial and based on appearances rather than a strong foundation of principles known to work over a period of time? Does this applicant understand economics and how to manage his budget? Would this open position be better served by a particular age, nationality, or gender?

It has been said, “The two candidates were about equal.” But voting records are published on the Internet and easily accessed by the public. These records are extremely important because they reflect the philosophy behind the choices, whether the candidate values and respects the life of the very elderly and the unborn; or whether the candidate sees life as being utilitarian, when it’s contribution has peaked and the individual is no longer of value to society.

Another critical value is personal ethics. Generally speaking, most Americans regard politicians as having compromised ethics, the motivation being money under the table. In fact, that is the underlying reason this once great country is struggling for balance presently – greed at the highest leadership levels: national regulatory boards, CEOs, the medical profession and related fields. This broad ribbon of greed extends to the most basic levels of our society where a garbage company is awarded the lowest bid with the understanding that the city will kick back some of the contract money (Everybody does it!); where farmers’ markets jack up prices for produce that actually costs less to grow than vegetables bought in the chain stores. Price gouging is known to exist at the gas pump and at the bank with it’s many surcharges.

A third aspect of corruption is when courts challenge laws that were enacted by the majority of citizens. This is decline and disrespect at the very highest level of society for our constitution provides a system of checks and balances. Interpretations that conflict with the purposes graphically spelled out by our founding fathers are a betrayal of vows to uphold the country’s law system.

A fourth aspect of corruption is the idea of entitlement – “you owe me”. This is not a problem with minorities only, but extends to an entire generation of young people who fail to understand that societies are structured around individuals who contribute to the common good. Instead, we have many who want to be carried economically by their family, friends, and communities. This can be observed also in homosexual and transsexual behavior where men, once our nation’s strength, now want to be taken care of like a woman is, according to their perception.

I realize these words are direct and will generate anger. My concern is that you will be irritated enough to think over what I’ve written and attempt to defend your own philosophy. Any part of your ideas that conflict with God’s Word needs correction. Proverbs 14: 34 says, “Uprightness and right standing with God [moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation], those elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”