Character
Nearly anyone can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. (Abraham Lincoln)
History is filled with examples of leaders who didn’t know how to handle power well. We all may have experienced such failure personally when we were given authority before we were fully prepared to handle it. Character qualities are developed when you handle the hard times gracefully. When you’ve proved yourself in adversity, your integrity will keep you from abusing the power you’ve been given.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn (Proverbs 29:2).