This story prompts five thoughts on leadership I think are appropriate for all of us:
We seldom get to rest for long—In church planting and in church revitalization—and in my years leading in the business world—I never knew seasons of rest for very long. They could be good seasons or not so good seasons, but there was always something demanding our attention. Something new was happening. There were challenges around us.
It reminds me that we must rest along the way. Don’t expect things to “slow down” so you can catch up. They won’t. You’ll have to be disciplined to decompress regularly. God even commanded it into the system. It’s called the Sabbath. And we need it. Our souls need it.
Next steps are scary—If they weren’t, people wouldn’t need a leader. Next steps involve risk, require faith and the future is an unknown. If David had not been obedient, his “team” would have easily sat this one out—ignoring the command of God.
Leaders lead—That’s what leaders do. They take people where they need to go, maybe even where they want to go, and sometimes where they are hesitant, afraid or may not yet be prepared to go. People don’t need a leader to stay where they are currently. We could manage that.
As a leader, I have to be obedient, even when the demands are bigger than I think our team can handle—bigger than I as a leader know how to lead. That’s what leaders do. We chart the way—even when the way isn’t neat, tidy and clearly defined.
Big visions require faith—God doesn’t call us to that which is easy. He would receive no glory in us doing things we can naturally do—and seriously—what kind of a dream is it if it’s easily accomplished? Surely the God who can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine would want us to dream bigger than that which is easily attained.
Victory won’t come unless we move forward—You can’t realize the rewards of a God-given vision until you take the required actions. Standing still is safer, but it doesn’t bring the satisfaction of a well-executed, bold move of faith. And leaders must be willing to take the first step.
What are you being called to these days that is bigger than you?
