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Spiritual leadership is not inherited, nor is it obtained through an important social position. It is not attained by seeking false knowledge, or the best seats in the church, but by counting all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.

Spiritual leadership is not given without regard to those who occupy positions of religious leadership, but even still, is given only to suitable persons. Where the lion dwells, that is its den, but if the lion leaves that place, the place has no value anymore.

In Egypt, Joseph was only a slave in Potiphar’s house. Yet he found grace in his master’s eyes, and became a leader in his house. While he was a slave in body, he was free in spirit. As a result, Joseph was not enslaved by sin, even though he was unjustly imprisoned. Leadership followed him even into prison. “And the Lord was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man.” (Gen. 39:2). In this manner, he eventually became the second man after Pharaoh in command over Egypt, with leadership all over the country.

St. Paul, on his way to be judged in front of Caesar’s court, was a prisoner on the ship under guard by Roman soldiers. The sea raged and the waves rose higher until everyone was frightened. St. Paul stood as their leader, saying, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’” (Acts 27:21-24)

Moses, whom Pharaoh’s daughter adopted and taught in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and who was “mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22), did not become a spiritual leader in Pharaoh’s palace but instead in the Sinai desert: “When he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Let us compare Moses’ position before he was given leadership from God and his position later, after God appeared to him in the burning bush. In his former position, we see physical zeal and human methods. We see murder, fear and failure. But in the latter position, we see spiritual power and divine awe. We see a heavy tongue (with a speech impediment) speaking clearly. We see brave acts and miracles and the first organized evacuation in human history. In the wilderness, we see great, wise leadership.

Jeremiah the prophet was called when the Israelites were in the worst of times, when sin, hypocrisy and superficial worship prevailed. It was not easy for Jeremiah to get any good response for his mission under such circumstances, when his society was evil and full of stumbling blocks. The Lord called him, and when he apologized and tried to make excuses, the Lord encouraged him and gave him leadership over His people. Then He stretched out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth, saying, “I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and pull down and destroy, and to throw down, to build and to plant.” (Jer. 1:9-10)

Thus, we see that spiritual leadership is not achieved merely by attending servants’ meetings, nor by only reading books, nor by imitating other leaders, but must be through God. That is what the Lord did with both Elijah and John the Baptist, who were feared by King Ahab and King Herod, respectively. Also, Samuel, a young boy, was given the words of prophecy, and David, the young shepherd, became a king.

God is not biased. He foresaw in them complete obedience, great faith, strong love, and readiness for work. He consequently prepared them for the great role of leadership. He said to Joshua, “This day will I begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” (Josh. 3:7)

A spiritual leader does not lose his leadership because of old age, for there is no retirement in spiritual leadership. Nor is there old age in spiritual life; that is, unless we forsake God’s love and our fellowship with Him.

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* Chapter 4, taken from "Paradise of the Spirit: Service".