HOW DO YOU LEAD?

 

Everybody leads someone. You may not think that you are in a position of leadership like others, but it is likely that there are those whom God has placed under your leadership.

It is inherent in our creation that we lead for the Lord made us to do so.

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule. (Genesis 1:26)

All of us have a part of this earth that we are responsible for, and most often, this includes people that are under our care … a domain over which we have stewardship. It involves resources, perhaps family, and often, other people that we are to help and shepherd along the way. We may do this through direct, appointed responsibility or through influencing leadership.

WHY DO WE LEAD?

The secret of one of the greatest leaders in history was the humble understanding of his responsibilities. David knew who had placed him in leadership … and why.

Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. (2 Samuel 5:12)

He didn’t get puffed up when he was exalted, but he became even more humble. He knew his position was given by God. And he also knew that it was not for his sake, but to aid and faithfully lead others.

AND SO …

Leadership, to be successful in God’s kingdom, must be done a particular way. It calls for absolute dependence upon God. You see David in the first days of his kingship leading with God-initiation.

So the Philistines came and spread out in Rephaim Valley. Then David inquired of the Lord: “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

The Lord replied to David, “Attack, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you.” So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated them there. (2 Samuel 5:18-20)

This was not the end of the Philistines, for another group assembled and came again at David. But what David had been told before by the Lord did not suffice. There would be new instructions, and David was dependent enough upon the Lord that each new issue required a new inquiry.

The Philistines came up again and spread out in Rephaim Valley. So David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, “Do not attack directly, but circle around behind them and come at them opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the Lord will have gone out ahead of you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” So David did exactly as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Geba to Gezer. (2 Samuel 5:22–25)

Notice that the instructions now are different. In one moment, God said, “Go,” in another He said, “Wait, and then go.” God knew (as He always does) exactly what should be done. The daily demands of leadership demand daily dependence and daily Scripture-fed prayer.

STRICT OBEDIENCE

David didn’t cut corners with God. He “did exactly as the Lord commanded him.” And this inquiry and obedience would become the pattern for his leadership. A humble, praying leader and a faithful, mighty God.

David prayed, David listened, David depended, and David obeyed. And David succeeded at every turn.

You don't have to lead like David. But why wouldn't you?