Building the Character of a Ruler!

by Leonard V Johnson

Standing at the pinnacle of the United States of America is a person of strong CHARACTER. A man or woman that the citizens of our great nation believe has the “keys” that will make possible SUCCESS and GREAT LEADERSHIP! 

Throughout mankind’s history, countless men and women of great ability, intelligence, personality, and training never reached what one would call the pinnacle of success in life. 

Why?

Well, possibly because of timing, chance, varying circumstances, or God’s will. Or, and this is what we’re talking about today, they had a lack of any real CHARACTER!

Surely, you’ve heard of a woman who drives a city bus for a living, having been offered ── time and time again ── the position of dispatcher, allowing her to sit in an office behind a desk instead of driving all day up and down US19? Refusing to accept that higher position, all because she doesn’t like fluorescent bulbs, or she doesn’t want to be “playing” for the opposing team. Is it a lack of any real character? No. Sadly, she is selling herself short at job advancement, stemming from a lack of self-confidence, fear of change, and a lack of keeping her eyes on a clear career goal. 

What Is Your Ultimate Goal? 

As I was talking about in my latest Personal From… A Personal Encounter with a Socialist: It’s Essential to Have the Right Goal. Because any intelligent and thinking person surely wants to be a success in life. However, so many people have differing opinions on the definition of “success.” The Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary gives us the definition of success ──

suc▪cess \sək-‘ses\ n [L successus, fr. succedere] (1537) 1 obs : OUTCOME, RESULT 2 a : degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence 3 : one that succeeds. 1

Yet so many people have come to the end of their life not truly feeling that they had reached their “favorable or desired outcome.” Perhaps, like most people, you have been taught that, when it comes to Christianity, you get your mind in gear, think sentimental and religious thoughts, go to a church on a Sunday, listen to the preacher read the Bible, hope to “get saved” because you’re “doing a commendable” thing, and that when you die you “go to heaven” and float on a white puffy cloud for all eternity. Maybe you are taught that there is really nothing else you have to do except “accept Christ.” Nothing religiously you have to accomplish except just “try and be the best person you can be.”

Nonsense!

The great and awesome God [the Elohim, the family of God ── which at this time consists of God our Father and God His Son and our Savior] says in your Holy Bible that true Christians are in training to be future LEADERS in God’s kingdom! We, brethren, are training to help CO-RULE this Earth with, and under the authority of, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  

Our Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “’ And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30) that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’” – Luke 22:29-30. 

In His parable of the pounds, our Lord Jesus teaches us that those who “overcome” the most──of course, our old human nature remains, and we continue to make decisions whether to yield to the works of the flesh, or to resist them by yielding to our new nature, GOD’S NATURE WITHIN US, led by the glorious Spirit of God ── we must use our strengths and our abilities and yield ourselves to God, we will be given a CO-RULERSHIP POSITION. Our Lord Jesus says to us, having overcome, “’ Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’” – Luke 19:17. Others who grew and developed spiritually, having used their physical talents in God’s Way and according to His will, will be given authority over five cities, since they overcame only half as much. 

Our Lord Jesus promises us the greatest of good news ──

“’ And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations ── 27) ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; …’” – Revelation 2:26, 27. See also Revelation 5:10.

The person who “overcomes,” who DISCIPLINES THEMSELVES and DEVELOPS RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER, is the one whom the LORD God can use as an instrument under our Lord Jesus to help co-rule the Earth in His kingdom. Now, the LORD God can add mental ability and strength by and through the Holy Spirit. But Godly character cannot just be manufactured by fiat──it is something that we must be willing to develop now as FREE MORAL AGENTS under the LORD God. 

Here are seven “keys” to help you build the type of character needed to be the kind of RULER that the LORD God will use and bless. 

• I) Humility and Fear of God 

Let’s speak of today’s news ── Nicolás Maduro. The unrecognized President of Venezuela, whom some call the De facto president. He was (until the pre-dawn hours of 3 January 2026) the dictator of a vast drug trafficking operation and a narco-terrorist. He blatantly abused his power, using it to corrupt state institutions, turning them into tools for drug trafficking, which included selling diplomatic passports to the drug traffickers and facilitating drug flights under diplomatic cover. Amongst a whole host of evil and other vile things. In true dictator fashion, he is not a likable guy. And he certainly was not humble, nor did he fear God.

Another example is Joe Biden, Jr. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, Biden was reelected in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996, 2002, and 2008. Although he had been in politics for over 50 years, Biden, under his watch as Commander in Chief, allowed some ── and, of course, the numbers vary considerably ── a record net of 8.3 million illegal and unvetted immigrants into the US, which was tantamount to treason. His lust for ultimate power blinding his eyes to the moral way of political life. And so, he was “overthrown” ── our government is now in the hands of President Donald J. Trump!

Joe Biden, Jr., claiming to be a Catholic, certainly was not humble, nor did he fear God.

Both of these fallen rulers can be noted for their vanity and pride when they were in power. One preening across the floor, and one shuffling. They lacked any real humility or any real fear of the true God of the Holy Bible!

Indeed, to have a lasting, prosperous, and good leadership legacy, any ruler or leader MUST properly learn the lesson of humility. God’s living word says ──    

“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2.

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18.

And just the opposite, God’s living word tells us ──   

“’ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’” – Proverbs 9:10.

A person who comes to have a deep awe and respect for the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS is beginning to acquire the basis for real wisdom and understanding. For that person will come to base all of their decisions, policies, and programs on THE ULTIMATE REALITY! 

As the LORD God says, to know the Holy One is understanding, and the ruler or leader will rightly base their thinking and their judgment upon God’s holy and righteous Law. And it’s God’s Law──summed up with the Ten Commandments. It will help keep you properly HUMBLED! As does the keeping and celebrating of the Day of Atonement! It certainly will help you stay focused on the fact that we are but minuscule compared to the vastness of the universe. It will certainly cause you to quit “playing God” and wake up to reality.

We Are to be a Servant 

Our Lord Jesus says to us, as He said then, and as He says now ──

“’ And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” – Matthew 23:12.

He showed us by His example that one who surrenders to the will of God, who humbles themselves and thinks of only being a servant to God and to our fellowman ── that person would be blessed, used as an instrument in the hands of the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, under divine inspiration ──

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7) but made Himself of no reputation [or, rather “emptied Himself”], taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” – Philippians 2:5-7. 

Sadly, too few properly understand this tremendous and important example of the willingness of our Savior “emptying Himself” of His divine power and glory to die for all humanity. As we come ever-nearer to the end of this present evil age, all the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders of armies, the mighty men, every commoner, will come to know, grasp, and understand that because of their unwillingness to humble themselves before the LORD God, they will have to hide themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, crying out, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’ Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has QUALIFIED not only as our High Priest but also as the glorious King of kings and Lord of lords, to rule over all nations! 

Brethren, even in these man-made societies, the LORD God’s living spiritual principles that we are to live by are in full operation. Those rulers and or leaders who yield and give in to vanity and pride soon “fall” into a mere footnote of world history. But those who rule morally will leave a good legacy.

• II) God’s Standard of Right & Wrong      

In 2013, Edward Snowden, an American-born former National Security Agency (NSA) intelligence contractor, became a turncoat. He came to reveal thousands of classified NSA documents to journalists concerning numerous global surveillance programs, many run by the NSA and the Five Eyes. Was he a Privacy Hero or a Dangerous Traitor? I often remind my wife that everyone must take a side. It’s a subject that goes to the very root core of American society and its foundation.

Was it “right” ── did Edward Snowden act from a sense of public good? And, even if he was legally culpable, was he ethically culpable? The Attorney General of the United States at the time, Eric Holder, did not find Snowden’s rationale convincing. Holder stated, “He broke the law. He caused harm to our national security, and I think that he has to be held accountable for his actions.” And this, personally, is my belief. To me, he is a traitor of the United States of America. 

Under US law, intelligence employees have their own system to report activity they believe violates the law or is unethical. Employees are instructed to report wrongdoing to Congress, or up their chain of command, to the Director of National Intelligence, or to their agency’s inspector general. 2  

God’s perspective on treachery presents DIRE WARNINGS about such behavior ──

“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. 13) But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.” – Psalm 55:12-13. 

“A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” – Proverbs 11:13. 

What or who constitutes what is “right”? And what does the LORD God mean by “wrong”? 

The truth to these questions, of course, presents a major challenge to every one of this world’s societies! Modern “progressive” educators, psychologists, and even many a religious minister say that there is no absolute value in what is “right” and what is “wrong” ── that it is all subjective. Most teach that truth is subjective, based on personal beliefs, experiences, and emotions ── that one man’s truth might be another man’s untruth, lie, falsehood, or fallacy. Kind of like: one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.

God’s Living Word is Specific ── Not Subjective

The CREATOR OF ALL THINGS says to us ──  

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” – Proverbs 14:12.

Indeed. The way that “seems” right to our human reasoning leads to our second death.

All of mankind needs to learn that there is not a plethora of gods throughout the universe ── a god for this nation, and another for that nation ── but rather that there is a great GOD who has set the standard for what is “right” and what is “wrong.” And this great almighty GOD has not left it up to mankind to decide for themselves what is right, but has called ‘heaven and earth as witnesses today against us, that He has set before us life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life!’ – cf. Deuteronomy 30:19.

The LORD God has never ever said, “You can worship Me according to the dictates of your own conscience.” Or, “You can worship Me in the church of your own choosing.” Or, “All you have to do is be the best person you can be ── and you’ll make it!” 

So, what is the LORD God’s Way? What is God’s character? What is God’s love? 

“For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And His commandments are not burdensome.” – 1 John 5:3.

From the very first book of God’s living word to the last book, we see that God’s TEN COMMANDMENTS is a way of life. He has commanded His Law to be kept for mankind’s own good, to guide us in developing the very nature and character of God.

Truly, truly, if all mankind had God’s divine character, there would be no wars, no murders, no robberies, no lies, no disobedience to parents, no lust, vanity, or wrong pride. 

The LORD God’s definition of “right” is KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS! But, again, what does the LORD God mean by “wrong”? 

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and SIN IS LAWLESSNESS.” – 1 John 3:4.

That is what the LORD God means by “wrong.” 

We learn that righteousness is keeping His commandments ── summed up with the Ten Commandments. And that “wrong” is the breaking of that same eternal, immutable, immovable, and inexorable spiritual Law!

• III) Practice Wise & Impartial Judgment    

Any leader of men ── whether president, vice president, prime minister, mayor or governor, or king or queen ── will certainly be watched by their citizens or subjects as to their complete and whole system of justice, their impartiality in judgment. As in America, there appears to be two separate systems of justice in our country: One for the rich and one for the poor! Back in 1994, we all saw this firsthand with the O.J. Simpson trial. As The Nation wrote in 2024, “O.J. Simpson Proved That With Enough Money You Can Get Away With Murder. The accused killer won and lost in court depending on his bank account.” 3 Nothing can harm the morale of a nation, country, or province than the discovery that the leader is a hypocrite, accepting bribes, or playing favorites.

True, wise & impartial judgment is perhaps one of the most important qualities of a great leader of men. The LORD God tells us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14. Sadly, the majority of people don’t really want proper counsel or arbitration; they want it, the famous Burger King slogan, “Have It Your Way!” They want it their own way!

A great leader of men must learn to seek and accept wise counsel on any important subject. And this great leader should always be completely fair and impartial in the decision or in the action taken. “These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.” – Proverbs 24:23.

A powerful truth! 

So, in our own life, with our family, or business, let us learn to be impartial and fair in our assessments and judgments. GET ALL THE FACTS AVAILABLE. And, if need be, get wise counsel. Also, admit your mistakes if you are wrong. Then act upon the truth with impartiality and in all fairness, and in all mercy. 

• IV) Exercise Strength of Leadership   

One of the greatest leaders of the United States of America was President Abraham Lincoln. His leadership style was characterized by a combination of good moral clarity, empathy, resilience, and great communication. His ability to navigate a nation on the very brink of being torn asunder, and to inspire a whole generation while preserving the Union, is a testament to his extraordinary character and leadership qualities. We all should be inspired alike. His utmost commitment to principles, willingness to listen (even to opposing sides), sense of humor, empathy, and willingness to carry the huge burden upon his shoulders are key elements to his leadership. President Lincoln’s leadership qualities continue to serve as inspiration for leaders worldwide. 4

Truly, taking upon themselves the burden of great responsibility, every true and great leader must exercise this type of character. In leadership, responsibility is a cornerstone that shapes the efficacy and credibility of those at the helm.

• V) Have Great Mercy & Long-suffering  

Any leader who deals with the lives and fortunes of others needs a great deal of mercy & patience. Patience is a virtue ── the ability to patiently wait calmly in the face of adversity or frustration is a most valuable quality of character. It is a skill well worth developing; it can lead to better decision-making and personal growth.

We must also be merciful to others. 

“’ For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15) But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’” – Matthew 6:14-15.

We are instructed in God’s living word ── 

“He who oppresses the poor [and “poor” in many facets; poor in spirit, poor in finance, poor spiritually] reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” – Proverbs 14:31.

“He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.” – Proverbs 21:21. 

A person with a “good heart,” a person who is compassionate enough to forgive ── and it’s important to note that Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them,” does not mean that everyone was forgiven, unilaterally, unconditionally, without repentance and faith. It does mean that Jesus was willing to forgive them—forgiveness was, in fact, the reason He was on the cross. The words “Father, forgive them” show the merciful heart of God. God’s Spirit has allowed me to see His words clearly – “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, even as God in Christ FORGAVE YOU” – Ephesians 4:31-31.

Forgiveness – on a human level – is an act of the will. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to you. Forgiveness is an integral part of SALVATION. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if ANY MAN have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, SO ALSO DO YE” – Colossians 3:13; KJV.

Any great leader worth their salt must develop the capacity for mercy, forgiveness, and long-suffering.

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” – James 2:13.

• VI) Be Persistent & Have Self-Discipline        

Unfortunately, and I’ve mentioned this before in the likes of a personal, Personal From… Armstrong Religion, “I had and have great respect, admiration, and love for Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong and Mr. Garner Ted Armstrong. They, I knew. But these sycophants are “under the umbrella” of their name and prestige for financial gain.” And many people from the remnants of that organization don’t (or won’t) want to learn any more than they did back in 1972! Once they learned this back in the 20th century, it’s all too easy for the person to just “take it easy,” and not grow in the grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 3:18. A great leader needs to be up to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and regarding ministerial leadership, increased spiritual knowledge – Daniel 12:4.

The LORD God tells us ──

“The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” – Proverbs 12:24.

The person who works hard at learning and growing spiritually and producing the fruit worthy of repentance, worthy of the LORD God ── that person will end up a great leader of men. But the person who says to themselves, “I don’t want to learn any more than I did in 1972, or January 16th, 1986,” is lazy and will find that their future leadership position will be taken away and given to another.

Also ── 

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32. 

Brethren, for the sake of your future leadership position ── and as a great example to others ── a great leader must learn self-discipline in what he eats, drinks, and even in how much time he may spend on recreational activities, the type of friendships he keeps, and the kind of spiritual character he is portraying to others. 

Every kingdom, every nation, or institution reflects the leader of that kingdom, nation, or institution. People tend to follow their leader. If the leader is like Emperor Nero was, so will his/her subjects be. When a U.S. state secedes from the US federal government, the majority of its citizens will as well. (Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink ── Minnesota, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois. New York, Oregon) 5 

• VII) Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself   

Obedience to the LORD God, a sincere feeling of awe for the LORD God, and of outgoing concern for your fellowman ── what our Lord Jesus has called ‘the first and second of all the commandments’ is an absolute must in the character of anyone who will be a great leader today or in the near future. 

Our Lord Jesus has said ── 

“’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’” – John 13:34-35.

And it’s not ‘just love those who love you, or those who are in your group.’ Our Lord Jesus’ life was a continual example of love and service, even to those who were His enemies. An example is our President of the United States, Donald Trump. He has met and spoken with certain heads of state and mayors, who are considered his enemies ── but he showed them love and respect.

Let us continue to build GOD’S character, and ask, and seek, and cry out, and yield ourselves to exercise His love in our lives, in our relationships, and with God Almighty! Because it is vitally important. Godly love is far from any religious platitude ── it’s not loving a person today and then hating them tomorrow. It is living, it is alive, it is abiding and moving, and active spiritually.

To be a great leader, a true servant of our fellowman, and a great leader in Christ’s kingdom to come, let us think on these things, and let us live by these things. □

Sources:

1) Webster M. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, success, 1996, pp 1175.

2) Spyscape, Edward Snowden: Privacy Hero or Dangerous Traitor? Retrieved 9 January 2026.

3) Heer, J., O.J. Simpson Proved That With Enough Money You Can Get Away With Murder, The Nation, 12 April 2024.

4) Root, E., Lincoln as a Leader of Men, Teaching American History.org, 28 Aug 1920, Retrieved 10 January 2026. 

5) U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, Justice Department Publishes List of Sanctuary Jurisdictions, 5 August 2025.