Leadership Charge

I believe that there is leadership in all of us. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen two-year olds leading their parents, even though it shouldn’t be that way. I’ve also seen many unlikely leaders who lead – some who have no clue what it means to lead. I believe leadership is a great responsibility and should be taken very seriously. I also believe that some “self-appointed” leaders aren’t really leading anyone. I think I first heard this old proverb from John Maxwell…”He who thinks he leads with no followers is simply taking a walk”.

David was a fantastic leader. He started his leadership training as a shepherd protecting, providing for and leading sheep. He strength was his military leadership and prowess. He knew how to take care of business when it came to fighting. He was also strong in his walk with God. He stumbled for sure, but he repented and rose to lead with great strength. His repentance cried out greater than his sin and he was restored.

David makes a charge to his son Solomon who will succeed him as king. David really wanted to build the Temple for God, but the Lord wouldn’t let him because he had shed so much blood. David starts being proactive by getting the materials list and the supplies together so that everything will be ready. He then really gives Solomon an excellent leadership charge. Check this out….

11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as he said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (1 Chronicles 22:11-13 NIV)

David had given his son quite an example of leadership. Solomon experienced peace on every side because King David had paid the price for peace by going to war.

There are times I look back over my life and yes I have some regrets. There were times I wasn’t following the Lord whole-heartedly. There were many times as a student pastor that I was leading out of my giftedness instead of leading with the Holy Spirit of God working through me. It’s pretty easy to look back on my life and see things I could have done differently. Who was it that said we all have 20/20 vision looking back. I do want to maximize the time that I have ahead of me – no matter how much it is. I want to lead my family from a deep commitment to following the Lord – seeking His heart through prayer and the study of His Word. I want my family to lead from the Presence of God inside their heart for sure. I want any who would follow me to notice the Presence of God in me and then want that inside their own heart.

Pressing On!

Dwayne