By Rev Clifford Chisha
R.T. Kendall wrote;
Many young movie star became an overnight success only to lose their families and friends. Many businessman went to the top in making money, only to lose his wife, integrity and health.
Success, when it comes before a person is ready for it, becomes dangerous. Many have crashed after attaining great success due to immaturity.
Allow me to hasten in stating that age is not necessarily relevant in this matter. In leadership, maturity is very important. Maturity is exhibited through humility, courage and servitude.
Some leadership positions have been too big for some people. They make terrible unintentional mistakes and some become too “big headed”.
When success comes too soon, such are expected.
In spiritual matters, one is ready when these things combine well: obedience, humility and God’s timing.
At the age of 40, Moses had the influence and desire to help his fellow Hebrews and it seemed he was ready, but God regarded him to be ready at the age of 80.
David’s spectacular success in slaying the giant Goliath did not mean he was ready for top leadership.
He needed more training.
Remember, before slaying Goliath, he had successfully defended the flock he was tending by “privately” killing the bear and the lion separately.
This too, did not amount to being ready for kingship. He needed more time.
1Samuel 18:6-7
6 – When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes.
7 – As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
David’s great achievement had been celebrated, women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, they praised David in the presence of the king.
Humanly speaking, it was David’s time. He instantly became popular. But by God’s standard and purpose, it wasn’t David’s time. He needed more training.
After a good number of years of preparation and waiting, David became king of Israel and he is among the most celebrated leaders of Israel.
He ruled over the united Israel.
He brought together Judah and Israel.
God prevented David, Moses and many biblical characters from taking up leadership before becoming ready.
When success comes at the right time, when one is ready, it is usually sustained.
Fellow leaders, as we appoint leaders, we should not go for popularity and relationships, let us go for what is cardinal.
We may end up destroying potential leaders by exposing them to leadership positions they are not ready for.
Remember, when success comes too soon, it becomes dangerous.
If someone we have allowed to be in leadership shows signs of not being ready, help them and yourself by re-assigning them to what they may handle.
It’s not a sign of weaknesses, it’s a sign of good leadership.
It is also wise to excuse yourself if a position is realistically “bigger” than you.
