Issue #156, May 27, 2015
When we meet a leader we quickly ask what position they hold but we seldom ask why they hold that position. King David had a healthy perspective on the place God had called him to serve as well as the purpose. “And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.” (1 Chronicles 14:2) David understood two things about his leadership that shaped the way he led and challenges each of us as servant leaders.
Servant Leaders lead in an appointed place.
David knew that “the LORD had established him as King.” He was a skilled leader; but acknowledged that it was not his skill that brought him to power. He was an anointed worshipper and loved God with his whole heart; but he understood that it was not his character that earned him his position of leadership. David recognized that it was God who called him to his role as king. He saw his position as the place God wanted him to serve. Since God called him to that place he could serve with confidence and resist the temptations many leaders face to be proud or to feel unworthy. Leaders who believe they are in a position because of their own skill are filled with pride and lead with a sense of superiority. Others may feel overwhelmed with a position that seems far above their capacity and lack the confidence to lead well. Servant leaders learn from David and find peace as they accept the place they serve as God’s call for their lives. Their confidence comes not from their own abilities but from their understanding of God’s plan for their leadership and in His ability to guide them. They readily acknowledge that God is the one who established them in their unique place.
Servant Leaders lead with divine purpose.
David also understood that the purpose of God for his position was “for the sake of his people Israel.” His kingdom was “highly exalted” and successful in many ways. But David realized that his leadership success was for a higher purpose. He was not a leader to make a name for himself or to build his own kingdom. He was not in a position of authority to accumulate wealth for himself or to impress others with his power. The people he led were not even his own people but God’s. The purpose of his leadership was simply to serve God’s people.
Many leaders think of their positions only in terms of what they desire to accomplish. Their vision and dreams become the guiding purpose of the leadership. Church leaders often begin their leadership with the goal of accomplishing God’s purposes, but lose that perspective as the work grows. The focus gradually shifts to becoming bigger and more prosperous. Business leaders can easily forget that God’s purpose for their leadership is larger than the profit/loss statement. Servant leaders reflect on the purpose of their leadership role and understand that it is not about them; it is all about accomplishing God’s purposes. This takes the pressure off of the leader. Leadership is no longer about my position or purpose, it’s all about Him! If He calls a leader to a high place, no problem! If He appoints another to serve in obscurity, the response is joyful obedience. In whatever place He calls, leadership is for His purposes and to serve His people. The results are no longer the measure of effectiveness and there is no need to compare the position to which He called me with anyone else’s position.
When we serve in the right place for the right purpose, our leadership, like David’s, is an act of worship!
For further reflection and discussion:
- Reflect on the position you hold. Do you lead with a sense that God has called you to this position or do you attribute your leadership to your own hard work and gifting? What difference does this make in the way you lead?
- Are you tempted more to feel that you are unworthy in your position or proud of your position? How does this impact your leadership? What changes is God calling you to make to follow David’s example?
- Think about the purpose of your position. If someone asked you why you were in that position, how would you respond? What leadership decisions have you made this week that reflect how you see your purpose as a leader?
- Do I view the people I lead as “my people” or “God’s people”? What difference does this make in the way I lead them?
- Write out your own statement of leadership using 1 Chronicles 14:2 as a guide. Make it personal. For example, “I know that God established me as [your position]…for the sake of …..”