Every leader wants to make a difference. But good leaders know that the line between good and poor leadership— in any given situation or season—is extremely thin.
How can you become a great leader? In your home, business, ministry, church? Sit at the feet of one of the greatest leaders for a moment and it will become crystal clear.
REALIZE YOUR LEADERSHIP IS A GIFT AND A TRUST
""And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel"" (1 Chronicles 14:2).
David clearly understood that God was the one who had put him in his position. It was not his superior talents or persuasive abilities or mastery of a few, slick leadership principles. The old prophet had come out to the fields where David was a mere shepherd and anointed him king. And David never forgot that.
Such humility leads to a sense of responsibility. If God is the one who “lifts up one and puts down another” in leadership positions, then we must look to the Source and ask him why we have been given such a privilege. And then we must fulfill our responsibilities with humble faithfulness.
UNDERSTAND LEADERSHIP IS NOT ABOUT YOU
And David realized the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel (I Chronicles 14:2).
There are some perks with leadership. You can make decisions that benefit yourself, that pad your nest. It is easy to be self-absorbed . . . and it is fatal.
The word itself is the definition. A leader leads. His main thought must always be for those who are following. He is merely a servant. When we quit living for those we’re leading, we’ve perverted the purpose of the word and we will quickly lose our leadership capital.
RECOGNIZE YOUR LEADERSHIP DEFICIENCY AND MAKE EVERY DECISION BY GOD-INITIATION
David inquired of God, saying, ""Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You give them into my hand"" Then the Lord said to him, ""Go up, for I will give them into your hand"" (I Chronicles 14:10).
David continually knew his job was over his head. How in the world could he lead an entire nation? But he had encountered The-God-Who-Leads-Everything. He knew this Source was limitless in perspective, infinite in wisdom, and boundless in power.
Good leaders listen. And the best leaders never make a decision without the counsel of the Almighty through His Word and prayer. In so doing, they let God Himself lead the people and the results are stunning.
NEVER STOP SEEKING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
So it was David, with the elders of Israel and the captains over thousands, who went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom with joy"" (I Chronicles 15:25).
The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God. And David would not rest until it was front and center in his administration. Read the story and you will see that, despite great difficulties, David keep working until the Ark of the Presence was in Jerusalem, right where it belonged, leading and guiding the nation and being worshiped with joy!
Everything flows from the presence of the Lord. If you have Him, you have all that matters and lasts. But without His presence, you have nothing. And great leaders know that their greatest task is to make a way for the presence of God to come to people.
