Leadership RevealedSample

The life of David is one of the most triumphant and tragic stories in all of Scripture. God used him mightily, but he also failed miserably. Good leaders must think carefully about their character and their relationship with the Lord. David’s story includes the four lessons which help us do so. His leadership example teaches us how leaders are developed, the humility leaders need, leadership in the face of temptation, and seeking God as a leader. 

1. Leadership Must be Developed

King David was not born a natural leader. He did not face Goliath right away, but used the skills he had acquired after years of shepherding. When Saul doubted David’s strength to destroy the giant, he responded by confidently listing all the animals he had warded off as a shepherd. To sum it up, the little things matter. Dirty chores prepared David to kill a giant and save his people. Approach the little things with excellence and you will grow as a leader. 

2. Leaders Need Humility. 

Humility helps us recognize that God’s timing is better than our timing. David exemplified this with his patience as he waited to take the throw.  He also acknowledged his need for God when fighting Goliath and understood that the battle was the Lord’s, not his own.Though he was already anointed king, he humbly awaited God’s timing again as he trusted God to deal with Saul, even though Saul was trying to kill him. Like David, we must embrace humility and accept God’s timing. 

3. Leaders Face Temptation

Leaders will no doubt face many temptations and fail, if they are not careful. 2 Samuel 11 outlines how David takes Bathsheba, a married woman, and is sexually immoral with her. Then, in an attempt to conceal her pregnancy, he has her husband killed. From David’s great mistake we can learn that our actions have real consequences, bringing tragedy to ourselves and those around us. David’s actions continued a legacy of failure through the kingdom of Israel. 

4. Leaders Must Seek God

Psalm 143 illustrates the heart that thirsts for the Lord. David’s heart does three critical things well. First, verse 5 shows us that he meditates on God’s faithfulness. Second, David repents and asks the Lord for direction. Finally, David pursues the Lord’s Glory. Ultimately, David was a great leader because he loved God. 

Leadership takes practice and self-awareness. Good leadership flows from the inside out. Read Proverbs 4:23 as a final encouragement to keep your heart set on God, and a life of leadership will naturally follow. 

Reflection Questions:

What experiences in your life have led to where you are?

Where is an area of your life that God is teaching you humility through patience? 

What does seeking God daily look like for you?