Often when our purpose isn’t clear, we lose confidence.
Mark Jobe
This Week’s Bold Step
The Lord has done what he predicted through me [Samuel]. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands [Saul] and given it
1 Samuel 28:17-18a
to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord…”
We’re a culture that’s obsessed with books on leadership. At last count, Amazon currently offers 57,136 books with the word “leadership” in the title but in a recent study, only 35% of employees felt inspired by their boss. Clearly, there’s a disconnect between the number of books being written and how bosses are leading their people. One would have to consider that with all the great leadership advice available at our fingertips, why are so many bosses ineffective leaders?
Leadership is fundamental to the success of any organization as it was in biblical history. Two contrasting examples of leadership styles that offer valuable lessons for today’s leaders are David and Saul. If you’re a seasoned leader or aspiring to be one, there are timeless insights you can glean from the lives of these two men.
David represented a leadership style that was characterized by humility, courage, and a dependence on God. Despite his shortcomings, he was marked by his heartfelt repentance, a reconnaissance of his failures, and a determination to improve (Psalm 51). Ultimately, David would become a revered king of Israel that remained faithful to his people and to God leading with an empathetic nature that inspired those around him.
Conversely, Saul, the first king of Israel, demonstrated a leadership style that was primarily driven by fear, selfishness, and pride. Though he was initially humble and reluctant to lead, over time, his insecurities, power struggle and disobedience to God led to his downfall. He was plagued with trust issues which led to impulsive decisions. At no time did he seek wise counsel from others or from God.
In our culture today, understanding these leadership styles can equip you in your own leadership journey. Whether you’re a manager of a company, a coach of a sports team, or a parent of young children, you are a leader when people count on you. Leadership isn’t just about getting results, but about finding the confidence and strength in God and His unique purpose and mission for each one of us.
God is calling you to make a difference in the here and now to those around you!
This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.
To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/
