I once had someone tell me that being a leader of others is equivalent to adult babysitting.
(Whew, the accuracy.)
Being a leader can be challenging.
Some of you are leaders in the workforce, while others are leaders in their home and familial life. You may even be a voluntary leader at church, in a community service group, or on a sports team. Many of you are natural leaders in school or amongst your friendship circles.
No matter what type of leader you are, it can sometimes be difficult to serve in a capacity where you are accountable for the actions of others.
Don’t get me wrong- leadership does have its perks. It opens the door to developing new skills and having new experiences. It creates the opportunity to cultivate talent within others to help them flourish and grow. There is such gratification in seeing someone you poured into put that knowledge to use and even surpass you. It’s also a pleasure to see your contributions make an impact long after you have moved on.
Getting to this place of sincere gratification or achievement as a leader requires character development. And character development is often produced after you encounter a trial that may come in the form of a difficult person or situation. During the trial, your patience may be thin, your tongue is tempted to come unbridled and you’re two seconds away from saying something that you would have to apologize for later. The trial can make you want to lose all professionalism and respond as I’ve heard many a momma say, “Oh, you’re trying me tuh-day, ain’t you?!”
(I can hear the “mmhmm’s” loud and clear.)
But as a leader, we must often go high when they go low.
And by high, I mean heavenly high; Jesus Christ high; there-must-be-a-God-in-heaven-to-have-kept-me-from-unleashing-on-you high. And the only way to do that is to go to God’s word.
1 Samuel chapter 30 shares how King David handled a trial and demonstrated character while he was hiding in the wilderness. He was living in Ziklag and hiding from King Saul while waiting for his rightful place on the throne as King of Israel. He and his warriors, a ruthless bunch, had just been spared the need to go to war against their own countrymen and were returning home. However, when they got home, they saw that their wives and children had been taken captive by the Amalekites along with all of their valuables. The remains of their city were burned and laid in ruins.
Imagine having to lead during such a difficult trial. Not only was David dealing with his own grief and devastation because his wives and children were gone, but his men were looking to him for leadership. But these men weren’t simply crying out about what to do. These ruthless characters were so bitter about losing their families that they were turning their backs on King David and thinking of stoning him.
(The audacity!)
They were ready to kill their own king. Forget the fact that his leadership had provided for them for the past few years, and he was being hunted himself. All they wanted was someone to take their hurt, frustration, and anger out on. Their leader was the target. They were highly emotional and blinded by distress.
Instead of David responding in his own emotional state and lashing back out at them, the end of verse six says, “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
(Wow. Now that is leadership.)
At a time when David could have drawn his sword and spewed a couple of phrases that would have set the whole camp off, he demonstrated wisdom and humility. He didn’t let this trial ruin his character or get puffed up with pride. He chose not to flex about his rank and what he had done for them in the past. He took the matter to God. He sought the Source of all wisdom and truth to find out what his next steps should be.
God gave him the green light to pursue the enemy and verses 18 and 19 say, “So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken and rescued his two wives. But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves. David brought it all back.”
(*Stands up to give a slow clap*)
So, let me recap: When being a leader, instead of responding emotionally or sinking to a lower level of character, seek God for direction. He will provide guidance and ensure victory in the end.
As simple as it sounds, it’s a greater feat than you think. We have to be willing to die to ourselves and put our own personal needs aside to think about the greater good. David was mindful of his people more than his pride. He wanted to do what was right more than justifying his actions. He recognized that he wasn’t able to do this in his own strength and needed God’s divine direction.
What a beautiful reminder of true leadership. We must humble ourselves before God, the best leader of us all.
While you may have to exercise some adult babysitting skills in the near future, do yourself a favor and inquire of the Lord. He will equip you and guide you to victory.
You can catch my YouTube video about this subject here at Conversations with Carrie.
