Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.
To date, there is no other king in Israel that is hailed like King David. Although he had his own share of weaknesses and failure, he is the epitome of good leadership. And our text today reveals why – he led the people with integrity of heart and with skillful hands. In other words, David mixed a rare yet needed combination in leadership – character and competence. In many instances in the leadership journey of King David, we see these two come into play.
Unfortunately, it seems like we only get to have one of these traits when it comes to the leaders that we have and perhaps even that we are. It is possible to find someone who is quite competent(skilled) in what he does but whose character is horrible. On the other hand, there are those with impeccable character (integrity) but are just not skilled in what they do. Any leader worth their salt, however, has to have a good mix of these two. And we must strive in the various spaces that we lead to possess these two qualities – to be not only honourable leaders but also skilled ones. And guess what? It was possible for David because he was a man after God’s own heart.
Reflections
1. Do you agree with the statement, ‘David is the epitome of good leadership’?
2. Which of the above two qualities do you possess more? What do you need to do to have a good mix of the two?
