1 Samuel 18:6-9
As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on.
Families, churches, organisations, and even nations have come to ruins because of an insecure leader. Insecurity is a dangerous trait that causes leaders to lose their best human resources because the leader feels threatened by them. Rather than leverage on the top skills and abilities of their most gifted people, insecure leaders seek opportunities to squash them. This was the case with Saul. They had just come from battle where they had enjoyed a great victory against the Phillistines. And as the women received them with jubilation, they seemed to heap more praises on David compared to Saul.
This is what greatly angered Saul. And he thought to himself that perhaps even his throne was in jeopardy. And that is the trait of insecure leaders – obsessed about their position and what people think about them. Rather than care for the people they lead and focus on the vision, they simply care for and focus on themselves. As such, any person that is perceived to be a threat is dealt such a heavy blow that they can no longer stay. When this happens, spouses leave a marriage, members a church, quality employees an organisation, etc. Unfortunately, the greater loss is on the insecure leader.
Reflections
1. What, in your opinion, causes leaders to be insecure?
2. What do you need to do to deal with any insecurities in you?
