When Pearl Harbor was bombed and the United States entered World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt took to the airwaves and gave courage to America. When London was being bombed and it seemed that the British Empire would collapse under Nazi assaults, Winston Churchill gave his nation courage. When terrorists took down the World Trade Center on September 11th, America looked to President George W. Bush for hope. When neighborhood bullies beat you up in the third grade, you ran to your parents for help.

The best of leaders give the best of help in the worst of times. They are a gift from God. But lousy leaders are one of the worst catastrophes any of us can face.

Imagine if it is the worst of times and the leader to whom you are looking crumbles under the responsibility. If your political leader turns out to be corrupt; if your spiritual leader is immoral; if your CEO steals money from the company, the consequences can be far-reaching and disastrous. When the person you have looked up to and upon whom you have depended goes down, that person often takes others down as well.

Recognizing the immense importance of good spiritual leadership, the Bible urges us to identify and seek godly leaders who are “eager to serve. Not lording it over those entrusted to [them], but being examples to the flock.”

We need godly leaders upon whom we can trust and depend. Make sure you are following the right leader!