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Do your actions show inner strength? (85-5)
Written by Barry-Werner on September 4th, 2009. Posted in 1 Corinthians, 1 Samuel, Acts, Courage/Risk-Taking, Dependence on God, Leadership Principles, New Testament, Old Testament.
If you have been serving as a leader for very long you already know that leadership requires courage. We are not talking about the Hollywood one-time event that puts your name in the headlines but the day to day inner courage that holds your team together when every indication around them could cause fear. Read 1 Samuel 9:1-13:14.
According to 9:2 and 10:23 Saul had the advantage of an impressive physical appearance. Unfortunately, the impressive exterior wasn’t matched by an equal inner strength. Inner strength can’t be measured as easily with first impressions. The inner strength of a leader can only be measured by watching their actions over time. Observe the leadership of Saul:
- When Samuel informs Saul that God has chosen him to lead Israel as their first king, Saul excuses himself as unable (9:21).
- Saul knows he has been chosen by God to be the king but when the time arrives for Samuel to anoint Saul publicly as king, Saul is found hiding among the baggage (10:20-22).
- When Saul’s soldiers begin to scatter, he panics and disobeys his divine orders (13:7-10).
- When confronted over his sin, Saul makes excuses for himself (13:11-12).
A few truths concerning courage in leadership:
- Courage and cowardice are both contagious.
- Without courage, it doesn’t matter how good your intentions.
- Only courage allows a leader to do what they are afraid of doing.
- Without courage that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, leaders will become slaves to their own insecurity and possessiveness.
- If a leader lacks courage their team will lack confidence and commitment.
- A leader without courage will never let go of the familiar.
- Lack of courage will eventually sabotage a leader.
What situations are you facing right now that will demand you to overcome your fears, trust in God, and demonstrate an inner courage that qualifies you as a leader? Effective godly leaders understand that in their own strength there is a potential to lose the battle to be a courageous leader but if they find their deeply held truths in the Word of God and their power through listening to the Holy Spirit, their courage will come from a source that never fails.
Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
