Christian Attitudes to Leadership

Christian Attitudes Towards Leadership

Topic 7.1 – Government in a Democratic Society

Human Rights and Democracy

Human rights are gifts from God, meaning everyone has them by birth. A "right" is something a person can expect from society legally.
In a democratic government, there is respect for the rule of law, and the authority to govern comes from the people.

Types of Human Rights

Human rights are divided into:
- Civil and Political Rights
- Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Examples of Human Rights:

Right to life
Right to a fair hearing
Right to own property
Right to marry and have a family
Right to nationality
Right to equal pay for equal work

Responsibilities of Citizens Towards Government

In Zambia, citizens generally support the government and its leaders. However, citizens can express their dissatisfaction if they are unhappy with certain situations.

Characteristics of a Responsible Citizen:

Obedience to authority
Working together with others
Upholding social justice and respecting human rights
Patience and tolerance
Sense of responsibility
Patriotism

Functions of a Democratic Government:

Making, implementing, and enforcing laws
Addressing the political, social, and economic needs of the people

Topic 7.2 – What the Bible Teaches on Leadership

Scripture References:

Deuteronomy 6:1-3
Genesis 17:1-8
Judges 2:1-2, 11-23

Israel Rejects God as King and Ruler

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 8:4-9, 19-20; 9:2
The people of Israel wanted a king to lead them because of political instability. God told Samuel, His chosen judge, that this desire for a human king was not only a rejection of Samuel but of God as their true King. The people chose Saul, who was a tall and handsome man, to be their king.

Condemning Bad Leaders

Scripture Reference: Judges 9:1-15, 22-25
Bad leaders bring harm to themselves and those they rule. King Ahab, who married Jezebel (a Baal worshipper), sinned against God and was known for his greed and cruelty. The story of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 16:29; 19:1-8; 21:1-29) is an example of the actions of a bad ruler.

God’s Example as a Ruler

Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 34:1-10; 34:11-16; 34:20-31

Topic 7.3 – Qualities of a Good Leader

Scripture Reference:

Luke 9:46-48; 22:24-30

Characteristics of a Good Leader:

Humility
Attentiveness to others
Treating others as equals
Clear communication

Understanding Greatness in Heaven

In heaven, greatness comes from humility and serving others. Personal ambition fades when Jesus is acknowledged as King.
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5:1-6

James and John’s Request to Jesus

James and John wanted positions of honor next to Jesus. Jesus taught them that true greatness comes from serving others.
Scripture References: Acts 12:2; Revelation 1:9; Mark 9:33-37

Parable on Humility

Scripture Reference: Luke 14:7-11; Proverbs 25:7
Jesus taught that it’s better to be invited to a place of honor than to seek it out yourself.

Jesus’ Example of Humility

Scripture Reference: John 13:3-15; Luke 22:24-27
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciples' feet, showing them that greatness comes from serving others.

Righteousness and Justice

Scripture Reference: Psalms 72:1-4

Topic 7.4 – Christian Attitudes Towards Leaders

Scripture References:

1 Timothy 2:1-4; Mark 6:17-28; Acts 5:27-29

Different Religious Attitudes to Leadership

Christianity: A leader must serve, listen, and learn, remaining humble and putting others’ needs above their own.
Zambian Tradition: Leaders are given special treatment, chosen by consensus, and valued for their wisdom.
Islam: Leadership is under an Amir, chosen for knowledge of Islam and godliness, advised by a council (Shura), and open to criticism.
Hinduism: Leaders seek spiritual guidance from wise gurus. Gandhi exemplified this through his teachings of "simple living and high thinking," though he never sought power himself.

Topic 7.1 – Government in a Democratic Society

Human Rights and Democracy

Human rights are gifts from God, meaning everyone has them by birth. A "right" is something a person can expect from society legally.
In a democratic government, there is respect for the rule of law, and the authority to govern comes from the people.

Types of Human Rights

Human rights are divided into:
- Civil and Political Rights
- Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Examples of Human Rights:

Right to life
Right to a fair hearing
Right to own property
Right to marry and have a family
Right to nationality
Right to equal pay for equal work

Responsibilities of Citizens Towards Government

In Zambia, citizens generally support the government and its leaders. However, citizens can express their dissatisfaction if they are unhappy with certain situations.

Characteristics of a Responsible Citizen:

Obedience to authority
Working together with others
Upholding social justice and respecting human rights
Patience and tolerance
Sense of responsibility
Patriotism

Functions of a Democratic Government:

Making, implementing, and enforcing laws
Addressing the political, social, and economic needs of the people

Topic 7.2 – What the Bible Teaches on Leadership

Scripture References:

Deuteronomy 6:1-3
Genesis 17:1-8
Judges 2:1-2, 11-23

Israel Rejects God as King and Ruler

Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 8:4-9, 19-20; 9:2
The people of Israel wanted a king to lead them because of political instability. God told Samuel, His chosen judge, that this desire for a human king was not only a rejection of Samuel but of God as their true King. The people chose Saul, who was a tall and handsome man, to be their king.

Condemning Bad Leaders

Scripture Reference: Judges 9:1-15, 22-25
Bad leaders bring harm to themselves and those they rule. King Ahab, who married Jezebel (a Baal worshipper), sinned against God and was known for his greed and cruelty. The story of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 16:29; 19:1-8; 21:1-29) is an example of the actions of a bad ruler.

God’s Example as a Ruler

Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 34:1-10; 34:11-16; 34:20-31

Topic 7.3 – Qualities of a Good Leader

Scripture Reference:

Luke 9:46-48; 22:24-30

Characteristics of a Good Leader:

Humility
Attentiveness to others
Treating others as equals
Clear communication

Understanding Greatness in Heaven

In heaven, greatness comes from humility and serving others. Personal ambition fades when Jesus is acknowledged as King.
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5:1-6

James and John’s Request to Jesus

James and John wanted positions of honor next to Jesus. Jesus taught them that true greatness comes from serving others.
Scripture References: Acts 12:2; Revelation 1:9; Mark 9:33-37

Parable on Humility

Scripture Reference: Luke 14:7-11; Proverbs 25:7
Jesus taught that it’s better to be invited to a place of honor than to seek it out yourself.

Jesus’ Example of Humility

Scripture Reference: John 13:3-15; Luke 22:24-27
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciples' feet, showing them that greatness comes from serving others.

Righteousness and Justice

Scripture Reference: Psalms 72:1-4

Topic 7.4 – Christian Attitudes Towards Leaders

Scripture References:

1 Timothy 2:1-4; Mark 6:17-28; Acts 5:27-29

Different Religious Attitudes to Leadership

Christianity: A leader must serve, listen, and learn, remaining humble and putting others’ needs above their own.
Zambian Tradition: Leaders are given special treatment, chosen by consensus, and valued for their wisdom.
Islam: Leadership is under an Amir, chosen for knowledge of Islam and godliness, advised by a council (Shura), and open to criticism.
Hinduism: Leaders seek spiritual guidance from wise gurus. Gandhi exemplified this through his teachings of "simple living and high thinking," though he never sought power himself.