Do you cultivate vertical and horizontal relationships? (88-5)
Relational skills are very important to godly leaders. A godly leader’s faith doesn’t simply revolve around religious creeds or doctrines even though God-honoring creeds and doctrines are important. God designed us to have vertical relationships with Him and horizontal relationships with the people around us. Developing good relationships is critical to any leader’s long-term success. Review again 1 Samuel 25 this time making comparisons between the approach to relationship building of Abigail and her husband Nabal.
As you review Abigail’s actions think about the following relationship building skills:
Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
As you review Abigail’s actions think about the following relationship building skills:
- Abigail exemplified humility; she listened to her servant
- Abigail knew how to appeal to David in order to accomplish her goal; she understood people.
- By giving David and his men what they needed, Abigail added value to him, encouraged him, and won his favor.
- Abigail had a generous spirit to meet the need of those who needed help.
- Nabal put his confidence in his wealth and felt he didn’t need to build relationships with people.
- Nabal became selfish and distrustful of others.
- Nabal did not recognize the value of those around him and did not give recognition or encouragement to those who had helped him succeed.
- Nabal lived with self-centered motives and refused to help those in need.
- Nabal felt his position in life gave him the right to belittle others.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
