Champion Traits
Today’s Verse:
There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. ~Proverbs 30:29-31
What do your traits say about you? A trait is an attribute or characteristic. It is something about you that defines and identifies you. Solomon uses some familiar animal analogies to describe people who are champions. These traits distinguish us as being exceptional and pleasing, and not status quo or unacceptable.
We see the trait of being dynamic.
“A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any.” In the African jungle, the lion is considered the king of the beasts. Lions are strong and do not back down from challenges. Lions are not intimidated by other larger animals. Leaders must be strong. They must be strong in the Lord. They must be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. They must be strong in their Bible reading, praying, giving, exercise of faith and in love. They must be people who do not easily give up or let little things irritate them.
We see the trait of discipline.
A greyhound refers to an animal that is strong about the loins. The word for greyhound means just that: to gird up one’s loins. Peter tells us to “gird up the loins of thy mind.” Paul says our loins should be “girt with truth.” This description could refer to an actual greyhound dog or a leopard. It has the idea of tying up the loose ends of the tunic around the waist area so that your movements to work or fight are not impeded. “Gird up thy loins” is always used to speak of work and war. It has the idea of being sober minded, serious and focused. A greyhound fit this description well because its loins were very strong making it capable of running fast and far distances. To be “girt about” implies discipline. Are you disciplined in your mind?
We see the trait of being daunting.
A he-goat is a leader of the flock. A he-goat leads from the front. Leaders lead from the front, not from the rear. A he-goat takes the first step on the slippery mountain slopes. He is not afraid to meet a challenger head on. He-goats have hard heads and are known for butting heads with challengers who are a threat to his flock or domain. Leaders must be strong and of good courage. Leaders must climb mountains. Leaders must go forward at all seasons: they must be instant in season and out of season.
We see the trait of dignity.
“A king, against whom there is no rising up.” A king is a leader. He must be a respected leader. He builds trust and confidence in those he leads. He must be a responsible leader. He takes responsibility for both accomplishments and failure. He is a man of integrity. “His ways please the Lord, thus putting his enemies at peace with him.” He is well fortified so that his enemies think twice before they try to make an assault against him. He is careful of the words he speaks and how he speaks them.
We see four traits of champions. These are traits that distinguish winners from losers. They are indispensable traits that leaders need for building businesses, churches, and organizations. They are traits that reveal that you are a leader that people can follow.
Have a winning God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 25-27