There are two verses in 2 Samuel 5 which together make a very important point for every leader. Whether your leadership is at work, in the church, or at home, you do well to take notice of these verses. The first answers an important question: “how did David become a great King?” The answer is simple: because God was with him. It is God who raises up leaders. It is God who determines our positions. And it is God who grants success. This is a vital antidote to pride.
“And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10).
The second verse I want to draw your attention to addresses another question: “Why?” If knowing that it was God and not your natural skill that determined your roll helps destroy pride, knowing why he did it brings focus to our leadership.
“And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel” (2 Samuel 5:12).
David knew he had been made king not to simply enjoy the trappings of power and benefit himself. Nor did God want David to enjoy lording it over his followers like some do. God raises up leaders for the sake of the people. In the midst of all the business and pressures of a responsible role it is easy to forget this point. A leader must remember this focus in all their decisions. The question should always be “how will what I am about to do help the people that God has entrusted to me?”
A true leader succeeds through others, encourages others, empowers others, and provides an environment which causes others to flourish. A secure leader knows that they are only as good as their people, and is not afraid to surround themselves with people who are better than them. If people sense you are all about them rather than all about yourself they will be much happier to follow you. There is no doubt that having a good leader over you is a joyous experience. What can you do today to better serve the people who follow you?
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