Today’s Reading, 1 Samuel 21-24
Focal Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:22 “Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day and that he was sure to report to Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s family.”
I learned many years ago that good leaders take all the blame when things go wrong and they give all the credit when things go right. This simple lesson demonstrates the humility a leader must possess to lead other people. It also demonstrates the heart to give away praise. This simple truth will help leaders lead well and build others up.
In the beginning of this chapter we see that David is leading a rag tag group of people. It says that every man that was desperate, in debt, or discontent followed him. David knew how to lead people that others did not want to lead. Then at the end of the chapter when the priests were killed he took the blame and shouldered the burden. These two examples of leadership are refreshing and amazing to see after Saul.
So what is the application of this truth for believers today. First, if we can only lead those we get along with then we are not good leaders. The heart of a true leader can get everyone and anyone to follow them because their character is above reproach. Then a leader never points fingers and blames others for failures. Even when it is someone else’s fault. David shows that the burden of leadership is his and his alone.
I challenge you today to examine the people you lead. Do they follow you willingly? Are you leading people to go are just like you? Or worst yet are you leading and nobody is following. If that is the case you have a title but no authority. It means that you have a heart that is not concerned with others well being.
Embrace the responsibility and the challenge of leadership. Learn and be humble when it comes to the process. Never in leadership does a one way approach work. Each person must be lead individually and passionately. The leaders sets the tone of the family, organization, and the church.
Be a biblical leader not a worldly leader. The world needs these examples.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Samuel 25-27
