Leadership Observations in the Life of David

1. 1 Samuel 16:23 ̶ 17:45 (Overall through 1 King 2:11)

1. David played the harp causing the evil spirit to leave Saul, refreshing and making him well (16:23)

• Leaders serve others in response to God's love

• Leaders love others

• Leaders comfort others

• Leaders strive to make others well

• Leaders are concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of others

 

1. David woke-up and left the flock early in the morning with a keeper, allowing David to take supplies to his brothers as his dad Jesse commanded (17:17,20).

• Leaders respond to parents, elders, and superiors in obedience to God.

• Leaders act with urgency

1. David inquiries what will be done for the man who kills Goliath who taunts the armies of the living God (17:26).

• Leaders inquire of opportunity

• Leaders oppose those who oppose God

• Leaders are bold

1. David offered his willingness to fight the Philistine to Saul (17:32).

• Leaders volunteer their talents

• Leaders seek opportunity

1. David explains his experience, preparation and God Confidence (Several years ago, I created a God Confidence Bible Study) (17:34-37).

• Leaders recognize the preparation for future endeavors in current everyday adventures

• Leaders receive confidence from past successes

• Leaders recognize God's existence in the adventurous preparation and successes

• Leaders recognize God's deliverance (17:37)

  
   

1. David took off uncomfortable and out of place armor (17:39)

• Leaders avoid peer pressure to conform in normality of life's battles

1. David took his stick / sling and chose five stones (17:40)

• Leaders use tools and skills of familiarity

• Leaders use tools and skills with which they are trained and confident

• Leaders choose and carry extra stones
  

1. David told the Philistine, I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. (17:45)

• Leaders prepare physically and mentally within their human domain, yet know, confess, and act in the name of the Lord of hosts.

• Leaders are repulsed by those taunting God

• Leaders respond to and battle for God, rather than on selfishness, ego, and human ability.

1. David repeats these principles through-out his life, with the exception of lust for Bathsheba and arranging for husband's, Uriah, death. (1 Samuel thru 1 Kings 2:11)

• Leaders repeat successful principles

1. David inquires of or seeks the Lord at least eight times (1 Samuel 23:2, 4; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19; 7:18; 21:1; 24:17)

• Leaders seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance in prayer, rather than relying on self.

 

Summarization of Leadership Principles

David has just begun his leadership after God selected him as a king for and by God following Saul's disobedience in sparing Agag and the Amalekites' spoils. The Spirit of the Lord resided with day from the day of his selection forward, God calls David a man after his own heart. Consequently, David recognizes and honors God's presence, blessings and power. David receives favor with men, women and in battles. When the people exalted David over Saul, David remained humble. Although, his affection for Bathsheba leading to placing her husband Uriah in battle to be killed results in the only stated occasion of God's displeasure with David. Lacking coincidence, David failed to inquire of the Lord in matters of women—specifically Bathsheba. As a leader, David exalts God's anointing of Saul and all lives in Godly favor. David's leadership reveals and reminds the significance of great leadership resulting from God's choosing and receiving his Spirit, along with our obedience.

 

Admirable skills/principles noted before battling Goliath the Philistine

1. God sends Samuel to Jesse's house for His selected King
   1. "God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (17:7)
   2. "Now the Spirit of the Lord departed mightily upon David from that day forward." (17:13)
2. David serves Saul, including comforting his torments from "an evil spirit from the Lord" that torments him.
   1. Playing the Harp
   2. Attending him
   3. Inviting him to feast with the nations' leaders
3. David preparing for battle
   1. Delivers food to the front lines in obedience to his dad, Jesse
   2. Angered by Goliath taunting the armies of the living God
   3. Inquires of the award for the one whom kills Goliath, thus defeating the Philistine armies
   4. Angered by Goliath taunting the armies of the living God
   5. Reflects upon experience of shepherding and God leading him to victories over lions and bears

Admirable skills/principles noted while fighting Goliath

1. Relies on God
2. Relies on proven methods for David, remaining true to the person God created in him
   1. Selects Stones
   2. Embraces weapon—sling / stick
3. Boldness in approaching the uncircumcised Philistine
4. Confesses his approach in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel
5. Confesses victory because the battle is the Lord's
6. Moved quickly
7. Fired—slung rock—confidently
       

Personal Application

David, like all God's selected leaders, received the appointment without applying for the job, or establishing a marketing plan. As Dr. Lanier Burns states, self-marketing is a pagan ritual as it places one's selfish ambition and reliance ahead of God's desires. David's marketing plan consisted of serving God, through whole heartedly serving his dad and family sheep business. David recognized and relied upon God's strength, power, and protection while battling the lions and bears amongst the sheep herd as well as when fighting the uncircumcised Philistine—Goliath. David also devoutly served Saul. David continued his Godly love for Saul after Saul continually tried to kill David, because David honored God's anointing of Saul. David possessed legendary leadership qualities!

First, David confessed and honored God's provision in everything—all of his successes. Amazing leadership qualities! Secularism says, "Look at me." I need to continually strive to recognize and honor God's presence in my life, including the victories. This includes recognizing that when victories lack, God is preparing us for victory as a coach prepares his athletes. This leadership lesson is one I must remember for myself and communicate with those in my organization. Secondly, David avoided the peer pressure of wearing Saul's armor for battle once he realized the armor conflicted with David's comfort, style, and experience. As a leader, I need to remember to remain true to my strengths in Christ, even when normal appears to offer greater security.