Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 11:14

In the aftermath of the election, the electorate’s desire for decisive and transparent leadership is palpable. This sentiment is not merely a reaction to political dynamics, but reflects a deeper yearning for leaders who embody integrity, courage, and a commitment to foundational values. The challenges facing our communities—be it economic uncertainties, social divisions, or moral dilemmas—require leaders who are not only competent, but also anchored in unwavering principles.

In my daily reading, I came across Proverbs 11:14 and felt there are lessons that we, as leaders, can pull from this verse.

  1. The Necessity of Wise Leadership: The stability and prosperity of a community depends on the wisdom of its leaders. Wisdom, in this context, encompasses moral integrity, sound judgment, common sense, and the ability to discern right from wrong.
  2. The Value of Counsel: Effective leadership is not a solitary endeavor. Seeking counsel from a diverse group of advisers ensures a well-rounded perspective, mitigating the risks of unilateral decision-making. That’s part of the reason why I put this effort together – I believe we need to band together and seek one another’s counsel.
  3. The Consequences of Poor Leadership: A lack of wise leadership can lead to community decline, highlighting the critical role leaders play in shaping the destiny of our communities and country.

It’s decent insight, but what can we do? Here are action steps I believe to be a sound start:

  1. Embrace Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication fosters trust and credibility. Regularly update constituents on policies, decisions, and the rationale behind them. Transparency not only builds trust but also preempts misinformation and speculation.
  2. Seek Diverse Counsel: As Proverbs 11:14 suggests, there is safety in a multitude of advisers. Engage with experts, community leaders, and stakeholders from various backgrounds to inform decision-making processes.
  3. Demonstrate Moral Courage: Stand firm in your convictions, even when faced with opposition. Moral courage involves making decisions based on ethical principles, rather than political expediency. This steadfastness resonates with constituents seeking authentic leadership.
  4. Prioritize Servant Leadership: Adopt a leadership style that prioritizes the needs of others. This approach aligns with Christ’s teachings and fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration. Servant leaders focus on empowering their communities and addressing their concerns.
  5. Commit to Continuous Learning: The complexities of modern governance require leaders to be lifelong learners. Stay informed about emerging issues, seek feedback, and be willing to adapt strategies as necessary.

The current cultural and political climate presents a distinct opportunity for conservative leaders to shift and redefine leadership paradigms. Trump’s re-election showed the electorate’s dissatisfaction with inconsistent direction and unclear communication from the previous administration. Trump himself has revealed the need for a new approach.

By embodying bold, Christ-centered, and principled leadership, leaders can address the concerns of today, while laying a foundation for a more prosperous and unified future.

Just some random ideas on how we might do that:

  1. Community Engagement Programs: Establish forums where constituents can voice their concerns and suggestions. This participatory approach not only empowers the community, but also provides leaders with valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of our constituents.
  2. Ethical Policy Development: Ensure that all policies are evaluated through a moral and ethical lens, aligning with biblical teachings. This alignment fosters policies that promote justice, equity, and the common good.
  3. Mentorship Initiatives: Develop programs that mentor emerging leaders in Christ-centered servant leadership principles. By investing in the next generation, leaders can ensure the perpetuation of these values and principles. As an old guy looking to have an impact before I exit into the sunset, this idea excites me.
  4. Transparency Portals: Create accessible platforms where constituents can track policy developments, financial expenditures, and other governmental activities. Polis is the king of the online dashboard. This transparency builds trust and holds leaders accountable to our commitments.
  5. Faith-Based Outreach: Collaborate with religious organizations to address social issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. These partnerships can leverage the strengths of both sectors and truly make an impact.

The call for bold, Christ-centered, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. By drawing wisdom from Proverbs 11:14 and implementing actionable strategies, conservative leaders can rise to the occasion, meeting the needs of their constituents and honoring their commitment to serve with integrity and faith. In doing so, we not only address the challenges of today, but also inspire hope and confidence in the promise of a better tomorrow. With our party in power – at least nationally (and we should act like it locally, too – especially if you are in Weld County) – let’s be boldly aspirational, not wildly confrontational!

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.

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