Can you find joy in the success of another leader? (88-1)
Nothing tests a leader more than to realize that God is going to elevate someone on their team to a higher position in the organizational chart or that God is going to move them down in the organizational chart. Read 1 Samuel 18:1 and chapter 20 and 23:15-18.
Normally a king’s son would do everything within his power to possess his father’s throne, but not Jonathan. He was a prince who knew and accepted that somebody else would be the next king. Why? Because he understood that God had chosen a man other than himself to occupy his father’s throne.
Exhausted and depressed, David had found refuge in the desert of Ziph. Somehow Jonathan found his friend and gave David what he needed the most – words of encouragement that helped him find strength in God.
Jonathan first reminded David of God’s plan for him and then renewed his commitment to David in the form of a covenant. Jonathan reminded David that neither adversity nor his father Saul’s hatred for David had changed their relationship. Jonathan had accomplished what only a true friend and a skilled leader can do – he had demonstrated his commitment with words that encouraged.
I remember the exact moment when, for the first time, I had a shining star working for me that I knew had more talent, charisma and potential to lead and succeed than I had. I can still feel the emotions as I faced the fact that I was in a critical spot to help launch this individual’s career or I could try to hold them to further my own position by utilizing their skill. Leaders that are honest before God strive to view every leader in their sphere of influence as someone they can help, not hold back.
Where are you in the process of becoming a selfless leader? Can you find joy in the success of another leader even if it means you may be held back from that position? Is there a leader on your team you can launch rather than hold on to?
Normally a king’s son would do everything within his power to possess his father’s throne, but not Jonathan. He was a prince who knew and accepted that somebody else would be the next king. Why? Because he understood that God had chosen a man other than himself to occupy his father’s throne.
Exhausted and depressed, David had found refuge in the desert of Ziph. Somehow Jonathan found his friend and gave David what he needed the most – words of encouragement that helped him find strength in God.
Jonathan first reminded David of God’s plan for him and then renewed his commitment to David in the form of a covenant. Jonathan reminded David that neither adversity nor his father Saul’s hatred for David had changed their relationship. Jonathan had accomplished what only a true friend and a skilled leader can do – he had demonstrated his commitment with words that encouraged.
I remember the exact moment when, for the first time, I had a shining star working for me that I knew had more talent, charisma and potential to lead and succeed than I had. I can still feel the emotions as I faced the fact that I was in a critical spot to help launch this individual’s career or I could try to hold them to further my own position by utilizing their skill. Leaders that are honest before God strive to view every leader in their sphere of influence as someone they can help, not hold back.
Where are you in the process of becoming a selfless leader? Can you find joy in the success of another leader even if it means you may be held back from that position? Is there a leader on your team you can launch rather than hold on to?
