John Wooden is famous for many reasons, one of which is his leadership thoughts. One of the many quotes used in leadership circles states, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

The thought he expresses here speaks to one of the most significant areas about leadership.

We have all seen people with great ability, college and professional athletes, musicians, and others in the entertainment field. We also know that many who possess this great ability often demonstrate little character.

Without character, regardless of the ability, it is impossible to have lasting leadership. Nothing could be more true in connection to spiritual leaders.

Perhaps the major difference is the idea of being at the top, because spiritual leadership is about the humility to be at the bottom and to remain humble enough to stay there.

This is where leadership character is needed.

When spiritual influence is guided by a humble spirit, character seems to naturally follow. The combination of the two provides the staying power of a Christlike leadership needed today.