Leaders will leave a legacy.
The question is will it be viewed as positive or negative by those who follow behind?
Read 1 Kings 2:5-6 and 28-34.
Abner and Joab were both military leaders. Both were relatives of the kings they served. Their careers and their characters, however, present a sharp contrast.
Abner was a competent military leader, but his loyalty was to Saul, a ruler whose disobedience to God guaranteed his failure as God’s chosen king of Israel. No matter how hard Abner fought, no matter how skillful his leadership, Abner was on the wrong side.
When Ish-Bosheth acceded to the throne after Saul, one of Israel’s 12 tribes broke away from the others, established an independent nation and appointed David as its king rather than serve Ish-Bosheth.
As a result, the two kings of Israel and their generals went to war against each other (2 Samuel 3:1). Joab was David’s general; Abner was general to Ish-Bosheth. In their one recorded battle, Joab’s forces routed Abner’s troops.
Eventually Abner and Ish-Bosheth parted company.
Abner attempted to join forces with David and promised to rally all of Israel to his side (2 Samuel 3:12). Joab, perceiving Abner as a potential rival, as well as seeking to resolve a personal vendetta, murdered him (2 Samuel 3:27).
In doing so, Joab not only robbed Abner of his life but also deprived David of a valuable ally. His vicious act also prevented Israel’s reunification.
As these two men’s careers are considered, Joab had the more impressive military record. Joab was associated with Israel’s greatest military leader; Abner had aligned himself with two weak kings.
As is often the case, those who lead from the middle are judged as much for the success or failure of their superior as for their own performance.
The larger issue in the story of these two men doesn’t involve who had the better military career so much as who was the better person.
Who possessed the stronger character and reputation and legacy?
The answer to that question is apparent in David’s actions with regard to each of these men. After Joab murdered Abner, David declared a national day of mourning. David wept at Abner’s grave and wrote a lament in his honor (2 Samuel 3:33-34). By contrast, David’s final instructions to his successor, his son Solomon, was to have Joab executed.
Joab destroyed his own reputation in order to protect his position.
His passion for success as a leader drove him to negate his success as a man. David didn’t attempt to discern which of the two men was a better general. He eulogized the better man and condemned the lesser man.
The story of Abner and Joab demonstrates that, while career is important, in the final analysis strong personal character and reputation and legacy are what really counts.
Have you determined which you hold in higher esteem – your career and success in your chosen profession or with your integrity?
Wise leaders look to character issues as their measure of success first then career issues.
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