Most leadership training seminars will tell you that four of the most important character traits of good leaders include: integrity, accountability, empathy, and humility. These traits should be especially evident in leaders who also wear the badge of Christianity.

Sadly, too often we tune into news stories of religious, social, and political leaders embroiled in controversy. How the person in question reacts often reveals volumes as to whether they possess the aforementioned traits.

King David certainly would have appeared on the nightly news had such existed in his day. His ego and sexual appetite led him to commit adultery. Compounding his sin, when he found out Bathsheba was pregnant with his child, he arranged to have her husband killed. 

David thought he could get away with his actions until the Lord sent his investigative reporter, the prophet Nathan, to the scene. How did David respond? Did he try to excuse or justify his actions? No. “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord’” (2 Samuel 12:13).  

A leader of integrity, accountability, empathy, and humility won’t play the denial or blame game. He/she will admit past sins, repent, and ask for forgiveness.

As we consider whom to elect for leadership positions in our churches, communities, or government, we would be wise to do our own investigating into the past actions and reactions of the leaders we support to see if they truly possess the character traits of a “good” leader.