Issue #140, October 15, 2014
All that we have already observed about David’s leadership happened before he had any position! His early life illustrates that leadership is not defined by position. But now, at 30 years of age, David begins to rule as king, first over a portion of the nation and finally over a united kingdom (Read the entire story in 2 Samuel 2-5). As he begins to lead as the king, his life illustrates to all servant leaders how a leadership position can be used for God’s glory.
Honor the former leader.
When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this (2 Samuel 2:4-6). David had already learned how submit to Saul, and he continued to honor him even after his death. He never recounted Saul’s weaknesses. Servant leaders recognize that those who have led before are worthy of honor, no matter how poorly they led.
Allow time to build relationships.
The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker (2 Samuel 3:1). It took 7 years before the entire kingdom was ready to follow David. It was a terrible time with lots of politics and fighting. David slowly and carefully won the hearts of people. During this time they watched his character and his heart. He demonstrates that servant leaders build relationships by touching people’s hearts before they ask for their hands. This is not a quick process.
Lead people to victory.
One of David’s first actions as a king was to establish Jerusalem as the capital. The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.” They thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David (2 Samuel 5:6-7). David wisely knew that the energy the nation spent fighting and bickering needed to be channeled in more productive ways so he led them to conquer new territory. Servant leaders lead others to victory. They are not trying to make a name for themselves, but they serve others by helping define and achieve God’s priorities for their organization.
Keep a humble heart.
With time David enjoyed more and more favor in his new position and increased in power. But he was able to keep his focus on God and keep a humble heart. And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him (2 Samuel 5:10). All leaders face the temptation to become proud when they have power. David increased in power but recognized that his success was not because of his own strength but because of God’s presence in his life.
David learned many difficult lessons early on his leadership journey which allowed him to lead well without a position. These lessons helped him continue as a servant leader when he moved from the desert to the throne. Wherever we are in our own leadership journey, we can learn from his example to use any position we have for the glory of God.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Reflect on your response to the leader who preceded you in your current position. What was your response to that person when you took the leadership and how did it impact your influence? Are there things you need to do even now to honor that person?
- What happens to a leader in a new position if they don’t take time to build relationships with those they lead? Reflect on your own position and evaluate the health of the relationships you have with those you lead.
- Why is it important to have a victory if you lead in a new position? What is the impact on the leader and the followers? What happens when there is no victory? What happens if victory is focused on the new leader and not the goals of the followers?
- Why is it so difficult to lead with humility from a high position? Talk to someone you know who has succeeded in keeping a humble heart with a big title and ask them how they do it.