![]() Monday, July 27 2015
There have been many books, blogs and articles written on leadership. Personally, I have read leadership books written by pastors, military officers and firefighters. They are intriguing and each one has given me insight into how to be a better leader. The Bible still remains the greatest leadership book and David facing Goliath on the battlefield is an example of how a leader can rise from the unexpected and make a difference. #1 - Willing to do the Small Stuff
David had been anointed the next King of Israel in 1 Samuel 16 and "the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward". His future was promised by God, but when asked to deliver groceries to the battlefield the Bible says...
His willingness to "do the small stuff" also reveals David's desire to be obedient. God has called us to be obedient from the creation of man and our love for God is directly tied to our obedience to His Word. #2 - Look for Opportunities to be Used To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.~ Benjamin Franklin As a Christian, we have been commanded to go and make disciples. The opportunities that rise to minister may not always be convenient or exactly the responsibility that we want, but our desire to be used of God should be greater than our personal ambitions. A man named Ananias was asked us to minister to a man named Saul. Ananias' immediate response was not "Yes Sir", but "I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem", but because he was obedient the Bible states...
It was through this opportunity that arose for Ananias that the Apostle Paul first received salvation, kings heard the gospel, churches were planted and 2/3 of the New Testament was written. An opportunity to witness to that person at work or your neighbor could bring revival to your city. After David had arrived at the battlefield, he heard the cry of Goliath and saw the fear of the Israelite army. David never asked what would happen if Goliath killed the Israelite, but asked, "What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" In David's mind, victory was the only option. David understood the power of God because his experiences with a lion and a bear. His faith told him that he was an overcomer and this was an opportunity make a difference. An opportunity to be used by God. #3 - Live what you Preach David was accused by his brother, Eliab, of being proud, having "naughtiness of heart" and to come down to see the battle. David replied "Is there not a cause?" He was saying all the right things and the Bible states, "When the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him". David's word sounded good enough to the King Saul that he wanted to speak to David. David tells Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine". Their conversation continued....
David had to "put his money where his mouth is". He had to face Goliath. He had been anointed the King of Israel, he was willing to do the small stuff, found an opportunity to be used and now he was going to have to put his words into action. It was on the field of battle in front of two armies that a young David faced an experienced warrior. David never hesitated in his willingness to face the enemy of his people. His expectation was to win because of the previous experiences that God had allowed to him face. David was not alone in his fight against Goliath.
At the end of the day, David won the battle. He lived what he preached and brought deliverance to his people. The Apostle James wrote James 2...
Live what you preach and you can see your family and community changed through the power of God!
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