…even if it your friend occupying the position, accord him respect associated with it
By Rev Clifford Chisha
Key Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:1-3
A good leader who has in his inner circle, people who do not know his worth has high chances of becoming a bad leader.
2 Samuel 18:2-3
vs 2. Then David sent the army out, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third under the command of Ittai the Gittite.
And the king said to the men, “I myself will certainly go out to fight with you.”
vs 3. But the men said, “You should not go out [to battle with us].
For if in fact we retreat, they will not care about us; even if half of us die, they will not care about us.
But you are worth ten thousand of us. So now it is better that you be ready to help us from the city [of Mahanaim].”
King David was ready to go out to battle against his enemies but his warriors advised him not to be part of the battle team.
Most likely, they had assessed the people they were up against and the area they were going to fight from.
They were not ready to lose their leader.
“…You are worth ten thousand of us,” the warriors told David.
The above statement is very profound.
Below are some of the lessons we can pick from the statement:
- The warriors understood the position of the king.
He was a human being just like them, but by virtue of his position (kingship) David became one of the most sensitive national assets.
Losing one or even hundred soldiers meant a setback but loosing King David meant defeat and the end of everything.
It meant shame, possible slavery and real suffering of many.
If you are a leader who is surrounded by people who understand your position, you are very safe.
You need leaders who look at you in the light of the position you carry and not your individuality.
Surround yourself with leaders who understand and respect your position.
When the warriors said that David was worth ten thousand of them, they did not despise themselves.
They were very realistic.
- David had very loyal and wise warriors.
You don’t just need powerful people to be in your team, you need loyal people.
A good leader assembles wise and loyal people to be in his team.
Advising the king not to be part of the team that was going to the battle and giving the reason they gave undoubtedly puts the David’s warriors into the class of the wise and the loyal.
Some people do not care what becomes of their leader, like Judas Iscariot, all they care for are their personal gains.
Examine those who are in your team, especially those in your inner circle.
Do they understand and respect your position?
At one time, after some people had left him citing difficult teachings, Jesus Christ asked his disciples if they were also going to leave him.
John 6:66-68
vs 66. As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him.
vs 67. So Jesus said to the twelve [disciples], “You do not want to leave too, do you?
vs 68. Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom we shall go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope].”
Even when many disciples abandoned Jesus, Peter and the team did not.
Look at the reason Peter gave… “You alone have the words of eternal life.”
Peter and his fellow disciples new what the Lord Jesus Christ possessed…words of eternal life.
They understood His position and respected Him.
Of course, Judas was there.
Are you safe?
