Does your leadership spread courage? (84-5)
During my time in the Marine Corp I had a few opportunities to see how one man’s courage could lift the courage of every man in the unit to their level of courage. Read 1 Samuel 7:1-17.
The notes in The Maxwell Leadership Bible discuss Samuel’s Influence: One Person With Courage Makes a Majority:
It didn’t take long for the Israelites to get a taste of the leadership of their new judge and prophet, Samuel. The prophet’s influence grew daily. When the people trusted him, they were delivered from the Philistines, saw the ark returned to their land and enjoyed peace in the land. He became by far the most influential leader of his day.
But how did he gain such influence? What made everyone listen to him? At least three indispensable qualities gained him the influence he won:
- Competence – God blessed Samuel with many gifts. He heard from the Lord, he could see the future unfold, and he wisely knew what to do in crisis. His ability provided one reason that everyone listened to him.
- Character – Unlike Eli, Samuel exuded integrity and honesty as he faced each area of his life. People trusted him and knew that he had Israel’s best interests in mind. They considered Samuel utterly trustworthy and depended upon him to intercede for them with God.
- Connection – Samuel knew how to connect with people; he spoke their language. He expressed compassion for their predicaments and brought courage to their pursuits.
Fortunately for us, the formula for Samuel’s success still works today: Competence + Character + Connection = Influence.
1 Timothy 4:15-16 “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
