Issue #135, August 6, 2014
The story of David and Goliath is a classic story which many of us learned in childhood. The stones and slingshot David used paint a memorable picture of overcoming insurmountable obstacles. But the story is much more than an epic battle; it displayed David’s life purpose. Notice his words to Goliath, “David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David’s insight reveals that he understood that his battle was much bigger than himself or the giant. His words reveal his life purpose and all servant leaders can learn from him the overarching purpose for which God has given us leadership roles.
Our life purpose is to disclose God’s plan.
Goliath, and the Israeli army, simply saw a physical battle; David saw God’s plan. “I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” David realized that the physical enemy was just an expression of a larger battle and his purpose was to let everyone know God’s plan. This plan was in place before the first stone was hurled. Leaders often set goals and dream of accomplishments with little regard for the overarching purpose. David’s leadership reminds us that our purpose is much greater than the numbers, finances, or whatever gauges we use to measure success. Our leadership is more than running a business or leading a church. God has placed each of us in a specific location to reveal God’s plan to those we lead. Business owners show God’s plan for their employees to live productive lives, receive fair wages for their work and promote health and well-being in their lives. Teachers use the classroom to bring God’s truth to students. Pastors speak God’s plan as they disciple those they lead.
Our life purpose is to display God’s presence.
David understood that the purpose of his stones was so “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” His leadership was a public demonstration of the reality of God’s presence. God has given each of us a place to lead and to demonstrate that there is a God in our family, our community, our company, school or church. If our daily leadership objectives do not require God, we will never display His presence! What a privilege, and what a challenge!
Our life purpose is to demonstrate God’s power.
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands” (v. 47). It appears that God deliberately used David’s simple stones instead of a sword to show that the victory would be His alone and not based on David’s leadership competence. Servant leaders bring ‘stones’ to our leadership. We may not have great natural giftings and abilities. But God wants to use each of us to demonstrate His power. If our purpose is not big enough to require God’s power, we need a bigger purpose!
We may not fight a physical giant today, but we are each called to lead in ways that help others understand God’s plan, reveal His presence and demonstrate His power. Now, pick up that stone and take aim!
For further reflection and discussion:
- How does my leadership reveal God’s plan to those I lead? What is God’s purpose for their lives and how does my leadership help accomplish this goal?
- How do I measure success in my leadership? Do my goals reflect God’s purpose for me and those I lead, or are they simply reflections of my own ambitions?
- How does my leadership make God’s real to those I lead?
- Do you have a written statement of your life mission or purpose? If so, look at it with David’s purposes in mind. What changes do you need to make? If not, take some time to prayerfully work on a statement. Share it with a close friend and ask for their feedback.