Other than Jesus, there is no other leader in the Bible that gives a more diverse, dramatic, and inspiring vision of what it means to be a leader than King David.
What is the number one lesson every leader should learn from the life of David?
When most people consider leadership lessons from the life of David, they think of his…
- Bravery in facing Goliath.
- Skill in uniting people. Whether it was his versatile ability to lead a “rag-tag” band of courageous misfits on the run from a powerful King or unite all the tribes of Israel under one nation.
- His heart for God as he is the only person in the Bible described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).
While any of these amazing leadership characteristics are worthy of our emulation, I believe there is one characteristic of David’s leadership that stands out as pre-eminent.
David cultivated a lifestyle of “authentic self-reflection” with God
The path for most leaders today (even Christians) is to pursue the latest plans, principles and programs espoused by a prominent leader’s books, podcasts or messages rather than pursuing the road “less traveled”, which is regularly sitting humbly and honestly in the presence of God. Not that long ago I attended a major conference of Christian leaders and was saddened and surprised by reports on how few Christian leaders regularly allocated personal time with God, let alone “self-reflect” personally with God.
The Psalms of David, which are examples of his personal self-reflections with God, overflow with David’s deeply emotional passions and struggles. He personally shares how the Lord instructs him (Ps. 25:8), restores him (Ps. 23:2), answers him (Ps. 20:6) and has mercy on him (Ps. 51:1-2).
Notice David’s earnest prayer, “Search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there be any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24). And not only did David exemplify this type of prayerful attitude, but he also recorded what God revealed to him.
So, my challenge and prayer for myself and for you is this: For the next 10 days, set a timer for just one minute and pray this prayer. “Lord, what is the most important lesson you have for me today?” Then quietly listen for one minute. At the end of that one minute, record what the Lord revealed to you. (And if you feel so led, email one of your lessons as I’d love to hear from you. joe@bleonline.org.)
If you want to know more on Learning Leadership Lessons from the Life of David, BLE will be starting new FORGE Forum groups in September. For details contact info@bleonline.org.