Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 17, 2016
He [God] chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:70-72
Years ago I worked with a friend who managed two people: an administrative assistant and an intern. But he didn’t just manage them to do their job well—he led them to reach their personal and professional potential. Like a patient professor—my peer became a student of leadership, leading his team and influencing his co-workers to do the same. As the years passed my friend was respected and looked to for leadership. Though not the formal leader with the CEO title, his passion was infectious and his clarity of vision compelling. He led like he was at the next level.
Because David was faithful to lovingly and skillfully shepherd animals prone to stubbornness—God could trust him to shepherd His people with the same patient care. This sensitive shepherd protected his herd from the hungry lion and the pesky bear—while leading the small and trusting beasts to be refreshed by still waters and feast on green pastures. David led as a courageous shepherd, like he would one day lead as a brave warrior. A leader who loved God, he leveraged his experience of fighting ferocious animals—by serving on the front lines and slaying the giant.
“David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” (1 Samuel 17:45-46).
Leaders who aspire to lead at the next level—can lead now—the way they desire to lead after a promotion. They can lead where they are—in the way they want to lead in the future. They lead like they want to be. If a sales person desires to grow into a sales manager—he can start now by empowering the sales team. If an associate looks to one day be in charge—she can begin today making her boss better. A leader who supports the team above their individual dreams is trusted by others to do what’s best for all. Influence today, how you want to influence tomorrow.
If we serve others unselfishly, expecting nothing in return—we will help rally the team to high performance or support our family to grow into a caring community. We don’t have to wait until we have a particular job title, before we can influence our work culture toward innovation. We can start where we are, with what we have and relate to others like God wants us to love them. Care, respect and service contribute to a healthy work environment. The Lord opens doors when, by faith, we lead now like we want to lead later. Lead with integrity of heart and skillful hands.
“When Saul saw that David achieved such success, he was amazed and afraid of him. All of Israel and Judah loved David, who led their soldiers into battle and brought them back victorious” (1 Samuel 18:15-16, The Voice).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grow my heart of integrity and my work skills to better serve others.Application
How can I begin to educate our organization about the value of an innovative idea? Perhaps discuss an article or research a similar model in another enterprise.Related Reading
Genesis 39:1-23; 1 Samuel 16:1; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Peter 4:10Post/Tweet today
A selfless leader supports the team above their own individual dreams. #WisdomHunters #leadnowWorship Resource
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