Written by Abby Caymol | Jan 25, 2026

God calls His people to be set apart from the world by following the truth and showing godly character. God is the truth, even though the world does not recognize it. To follow the truth is to learn about God’s character. We know that God is the Lord who shows kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, and these are the things He delights in (Jeremiah 9:24b).

God knows precisely which spiritual gift He will place in your life. If He calls you to lead, He will shape your character to reflect His own. Remember, you are not the first—God has prepared prophets, kings, and leaders before you, teaching them to stand strong in His Word and live it out. Hebrews 13:7-19 highlights the kind of character God values in a leader.

Let’s break down Hebrews 13:7-19 on what an approved leader is.

A leader who truly follows Jesus is approved by God when he shares God’s Word. Such a leader brings light to dark places, and God’s Word helps people see clearly and find a new identity in Jesus. You can see the results in their godly lives. Good leaders live out what they teach, and their actions show it. They encourage contentment and joy. Because of their example, others imitate their faith in God.

Their lives may not be perfect, but you will witness their faith grow as they navigate the Word of God. While they may not always be dependable on their own, they prioritize acknowledging God above everything else, and that is the essence of faith. Leaders proclaim God’s unconditional love; their conviction in God’s existence greatly impacts those who listen. They are driven by honesty and believe that the Bible is inerrant (without mistakes) and infallible (without failures). The Bible serves as evidence of God’s existence, alongside the miracles He has performed.

As believers, we imitate their reliance on God with absolute trust and confidence. These leaders show the kind of faith and confidence we should have. Their dependence on God reflects Hebrews 11:1, which says that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Trusting God even when the future is uncertain reveals much about a leader’s character.

They are called to be set apart for God and to be holy. According to 2 Timothy 2:21, an approved worker of God is described as a utensil ready for every good work— a vessel for honorable use, designated as holy. They live by every Word of God. Spiritual leaders offer God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of their lips. They speak life in every situation, praising God whether circumstances are good or bad, and their lips consistently express thankfulness. Above all, spiritual leadership glorifies God’s name. In everything they do, they prioritize God and acknowledge Him in all aspects of their lives.

Spiritual leaders exemplify the character of Jesus. Scripture encourages us to remember those leaders who have brought us the Word of God (v. 17). We are called to obey our spiritual leaders and submit to their authority. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). It is important to pray earnestly for our leaders, as they play a crucial role in building a godly church.