Why is being a responsible person important for leaders?

Isaiah 6:8Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Being responsible and taking responsibility for our actions is the heart of leadership, for the leader is the one who responds to a need.

Ezekiel 22:30-31“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”

If no one takes responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group, they can fall into disobedience and suffer dreadful consequences. Wise leadership can protect the group from such problems.

Acts 4:32-37All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

The leaders of the early church called the people to be responsible for each other. This gave people like Barnabas the opportunity not only to care for others but also to emerge as a leader in the church.