In a day where it seems like everyone wants to start their own business, be a CEO or pioneer an individual path, it also seems like very few know what it takes to be this kind of leader. It takes more than a vision. Aspiring leaders need to know how to tap into useful characteristics that will sustain them in throughout this journey.
Unfortunately, social media has glorified a microwavable success mindset which misleads the ambitious spirit. True leaders are not an overnight success. There is a lot of blood sweat and tears behind the scenes that are often edited or filtered out because all people want is the happy ending.
The story of King David’s journey to the throne has so many examples of what it takes to truly become a worthy leader because he endured difficulties and hardships even after he was promised the throne.
In1 Samuel 30: 1-24, David was called by God to lead His people, yet the current king, Saul, sought to kill him out of jealousy and envy to keep him from taking his rightful place. Out of fear for his life, David took refuge amongst the Philistines who were enemies of Israel. Certain Philistine leaders still didn’t trust him even though he had proven himself to be trustworthy and honest, so they sent him and his camp away.
This is where we find him in 1 Samuel chapter 30. David was staying in Ziklag, a temporary residence for him, his family and his 600 men and their belongings. When they returned home, they found that all of their possessions were burned and the women and children missing. There was no livestock, no homes, no nothing.
Imagine this for a moment. You were appointed to a position by God but can’t rightfully take it because the current person in role is out to get you. While on the run, you are forced to take refuge amongst enemies of your own people. You prove yourself to be a person of integrity but there are still a few haters who don’t trust you and are intimidated by your previous success. Therefore, you are forced to leave. When returning back to your temporary home, you find that all you owned has either been stolen or destroyed.
Talk about being in a state of despair. These are the behind the scenes stories that don’t always get revealed. You don’t know about how that person you admire used to sleep in their car. Or while out searching for funding for their dream, their car got towed or they received parking tickets they couldn’t pay. You don’t see how while trying to build the business, they had to file bankruptcy and went many days without knowing how they were going to eat. These stories build the character of some of the best leaders we know and love.
David’s story does the same. Verses 4 -24 break down David’s actions and reveal the characteristics of a true leader:
“Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep.” (verse 4)
- Empathetic & Vulnerable – part of being a great leader is connecting with your people and showing them your vulnerability. David could have closed himself off and grieved separately from his men during this hard time. Especially with the position he held. He was a King. Instead or shielding his hurt and putting on a brave face, he wept with them and I believe he also wept for them. No leader wants to see their team in distress. The happiness of the team is directly related to the success of its purpose.
“ . . . But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (verse 6) and “David Inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?’ And He said to him, ‘Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.’” (verse 8)
- Wise & Humble– David demonstrated wisdom by seeking God first and not reacting to his emotions or the emotions of those around him. His men were ready to stone him because they felt that this distress was caused by his decision-making. How quickly those who you think support you, turn on you. Instead of letting his ego respond or being offended by their response, David took his issue to God. He strengthened himself in the Lord and asked God what his next move should be. In doing so, he received a word from God that yes, he should pursue and he would recover all that he had lost.
“ . . . For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.” (verse 24)
- Generous & Fair – After David and his men had reclaimed all that was stolen including every wife, every child and every count of livestock, they were also able to take the livestock and possessions of the defeated enemy. God actually gave them more than what he started out with. Only 400 of the 600 men went to fight the battle and certain men within that 400 did not want to share any of their spoil with those who had stayed behind. Never seems to fail that even amongst the best team members, you have some who want to take all the credit for themselves. David recognized that everyone’s place on his team was valuable. Just as he needed the fighters, he also needed those who would watch over the little they had left. He didn’t put all of his eggs in the basket of battle and therefore, everyone who played a part in the victory, no matter how big or small, deserved to partake in the prize. A good leader values what each team member brings to the table and rewards them all. One thing can’t happen without the other.
As you work on building your dream and creating that enterprise, recall these characteristics to mind. Go to God in all things and obey His word. Recognize that you can’t do it alone and allow Him to confirm all that you want to do. He will never steer you wrong but will instead, exceed your expectations.
