Think this post isn’t for you? The mission of leadership touches almost every life. Don’t think so? If you are a parent, husband, wife, work group leader, pastor, minister, teacher, or business owner, you have a leadership mission. And leadership, like any other mission, requires listening, learning, and labor in order to be as effective as possible.
There are at least three essential leadership essentials found in Psalm 20. This is a psalm of David and it’s safe to say his mission was leadership! But this little psalm (9 verses) shows us what followers need from leaders.
People want a leader that is devout and/or dedicated. David’s people knew him to be person of devotion and prayer. Their prayer (vss. 1-3) is for him to continue to be what he has been. In other words, they are looking for consistency and integrity. David wasn’t perfect, but he had a continual striving in his life to be a consistent, devout follower of God.
People also want a want to follow a discerning leader. Discernment in David’s life was based on hearing from God. Verses 4-5 speak of David’s victory and his counsel. David and his people knew the battle belonged to the Lord. If David was going to have victory he had to discern the voice and leadership of God. David didn’t act on the latest fads or trends. He knew of something much more sure and reliable: the Word of God. Your leadership mission requires the same discernment.
People want a leader who is dependent. Verses 6-9 embody this thought. Some trust in chariots and horses means our own strength or systems σύνδεσμος στην ιστοσελίδα. That is famously followed by but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Ultimately, a good leader is a faithful follower. It’s a bit of an oxymoron, but it’s true.
Part of that concept is learning and improving. People don’t usually follow know-it-alls for too long. The business community would say a good leader is dependent on good feedback and input from others. That’s true. But the first One that needs to be speaking into the life and work of any leader is the Lord!
Enjoy the psalm and embrace your leadership mission!
Blessings: How To Get Them
Why is this Life Lessons title intriguing? Aren't people always concerned with bigger, better, and more? Or, do some have an honest lack of understanding about God and His blessings? Is there a way...
Excellent article. While a very unhealthy paradigm of success has crept into and permeated the church, we need to be boldly reminded that true leaders in the Kingdom work must first be dedicated followers of Christ, the true head of the church.
Thanks, Jeff. How many people would say a pastor is successful if there was never any positive response to his message and he didn’t have a large congregation? That guy has a name and God deemed him successful because he was faithful to God’s call and God’s message. You know who he is, but others can verify it in the Old Testament. Look between Isaiah and Lamentations! 🙂 That’s enough help for even Haywood to find it!!!