A nation just concluded its presidential election, and after a challenging campaign, the winner delivered a hopeful speech. In his victory address, he promised his supporters and the entire nation that he would put his country and people first. This promise resonated with many, reflecting a common desire for leaders who stay true to their word and take responsibility for their actions.

From a worldly viewpoint, the ideal leader is often seen as someone who keeps their promises and prioritizes their organization and the people they serve. People admire leaders who fulfill their commitments and show accountability, seeing these qualities as essential to good leadership.

However, this raises an important question: Is this the type of leader that God seeks? Does God expect leaders to put their people, organizations, or countries first? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, a leader should be someone who keeps promises and acts responsibly. But no, in that God’s chosen leaders are those who put Him first in everything they do.

When Moses led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and toward the Promised Land, he cared deeply for his people, but he always followed God’s commands. Moses prioritized God’s instructions over trying to win the approval of the Israelites. For example, when he came down from Mount Sinai and found the people worshiping a golden calf, he rebuked them for their idol worship, showing that he valued God’s commands above popular opinion.

In contrast, Moses’ brother Aaron gave in to the people’s demands and built the golden calf for them to worship. Although this decision might have satisfied the people at the moment, it led to serious consequences and showed the dangers of prioritizing human approval over God’s guidance.

The examples of Moses and Aaron remind us that a truly great leader, in God’s eyes, is someone who puts God before everything else—before people, teams, companies, or nations. While human leadership often focuses on fulfilling promises to followers, God’s leadership calls for a higher loyalty to His will.