Are you a David or a Saul kind of leader?
When looking at leadership, I often have to step back and think, am I a Saul or a David kind of leader? What characteristics of my behavior line up with whose?
Saul was a cowardly leader. When the Philistines were in war against the Israelites Saul was afraid and ran. He hid from a problem and waited as time went by hoping someone else would help fix the problem. Goliath came out and mocked him everyday and instead of standing up for the Lord and for his people he took the cowards way out.
This is where I pose question number one; do I see a large problem and do I run from it?
Saul wanted to look good in front of his people so he offered a reward to whoever brought the giant down.
Question two; am I leading in such a way that I only want to get applause from people?
David, a boy who was by looks and stature, not the one to seem like he would fix the problem, but, was faithful to the Lord and he was the one God used.
Question three; am I faithfully seeking after the Lord listening to Him when he tells me to go to battle?
David was faithful behind the scenes perfecting his ability of killing animals with a sling and a stone.
Question four; am I faithful with the small things in the background? Am I perfecting my skills God has given me for His glory?
Sometime after David killed Goliath, Saul became jealous of David. He tried to stop David from doing God’s work. Saul became consumed with looking good and making sure he was on “top”.
Question five; am I jealous of anyone’s gifts? Am I trying to squash their gifts because of jealousy or am I embracing and encouraging their gifts? Am I consumed with making sure I am on “top” or am I concerned that the Lords name is proclaimed.
Everyday I must reevaluating my heart. In this scenario David is a great leader, but remember that David wasn’t a perfect leader. He was an adulterer and a murderer. Yet, he didn’t let those things define him. He strived after the Lord and let the Lords grace poor over his imperfections, unlike Saul who ended up having no heart for the Lord and lived in bitterness.
If you are reading this and you are a leader, I encourage you to check your heart and your motives with leading as well. Strive to walk blamelessly with the Lord and let Him guide and lead you.
