Have you paid the price to develop healthy allies? (95-4)
The term “building alliances” seems to be replaced in today’s language by the term “networking.” Whether you use the term alliances or network, effective leaders pay attention to this function of leadership. Read 2 Samuel 15:32-36 and 16:15-17:23.
David used his resources to help others succeed. He genuinely befriended people and repaid loyalty. Because of these things he had loyal friends who were willing to invest their resources in his continued success.
Having worked on movie scripts for many years in my past life, it is hard to read this story of intrigue without seeing a “spy novel” that should become a film. Hushai, a friend of David, literally put his life on the line for the king. He and David devised a dangerous strategy of placing Hushai as a mole in Absalom’s court. This guy had guts, courage and cunning. He was willing to step in when no one else could successfully have served in this manner. Why? Because he and David had cultivated a deep and trusting relationship over many years.
Great leaders must have allies. Wise leaders understand that it is time, thoughtfulness and devotion that are the fertilizer that causes relational alliances to grow. Allies are expensive but genuine allies are valuable because they cannot be bought.
Have you paid the price to develop healthy alliances – a network of loyal allies that you will be able to call on for help in your time of need?
