True leadership inspires 'followship'. We follow leaders who demonstrate qualities we admire. True Leaders lead by example rather than the persuasive powers of personality and promises. Character and competence are more important than charisma.

When Daniel was in his eighties and in line to be the prime minister of the Median-Persian Empire under King Darius, he was heavily scrutinized by his opponents. The result of the commission was that they could find no corruption in him. He was trustworthy in all his activities. Neither did he neglect any of his official duties (Daniel 6:1-4).

The Apostle Paul encourages a young Timothy: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1Timothy 4:12).

Character is not built overnight. The English word for 'character' is derived from the Greek 'kharax' which means 'a pointed stick that is used to cut a groove, inscribe a message or leave an imprint'. Our choices in regard to what we think and do progressively register a distinctive mark upon our soul. Each day we are cutting the groove of our character.

Both the elderly Daniel and young Timothy adopted a life-style of inspired discipline that would make them effective role models. We need men and women of exemplary behavior to be our leaders today: those who will model an excellent spirit, a positive attitude, edifying speech, a devoted life of selfless concern for others, holy love, authentic faith and personal purity.

We must be disciplined in the way we speak, live and interact with others in order that Christ may be expressed through every facet of our lives. Discipline involves the ongoing practices and training that are expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior.

The love of God is what motivates the believer to go the distance in this kind of discipleship. We live to please Him and not ourselves. We know that we who have believed the gospel are joined in a faith union with Christ. In him we are accepted forever and loved unconditionally (Ephesians 1). We do not work 'for' acceptance. Instead we work 'out from' our acceptance in Christ.

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control which inspires a discipline that allows God to maximize our potential as His servants.

There is a contrast between a legalistic approach to discipline and one that is inspired and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Legalism is rooted in performance-based acceptance. The discipline of grace is based upon our acceptance based on the Christ's finished work of redemption. Legalism leads to pride and hypocrisy. Inspired discipline leads to humility and consistency. Legalism strives for recognition and reward. Inspired discipline serves without thought for gain. Legalism seeks to conform to the law as an end in itself. Inspired discipline is intent on allowing the Spirit to manifest Christ's indwelling life and conform us to His character. Legalism is concerned with external conformity to objective standards, rules and codes. Inspired discipline seeks to cooperate with transformation of our lives from within that will go beyond the letter of the law and natural expectations. Legalism thinks in terms of duty. Inspired discipline thinks in terms of the privilege of service. Legalism builds a religious system. Divine discipline encourages personal relationships with the Living God. Legalism involves our attempts to prove our love. Divine discipline is our response to love.

Today our world is in desperate need for godly leadership. Dare to be a Daniel.