Spirit of Leadership

THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP

When King Saul of Israel turned his back on God, the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint David—the youngest born of a humble Israelite family—as king. At this time, David was just a young shepherd boy. Only Samuel, David, and David’s family knew about this anointing, and it would be many years before David would be recognized as king. However, the biblical account says that David was “a man after God’s own heart.” David’s purpose and passion were recognized as valuable qualities in the man who would lead the Israelite nation. David was passionate about his purpose, and he leapt to prominence soon after his anointing. He was the only one who believed that the Israelites could defeat their enemies, the Philistines, including the colossal Philistine warrior Goliath—whose coat of mail alone weighed two hundred pounds. David asked, in essence, “Who is this who defies the armies of the living God?” Using merely a slingshot and five smooth rocks, he released a well-aimed missile that hit the giant in the forehead, instantly killing him. The Israelites then routed the Philistine army. David inspired not only the army, but also the whole nation, to believe that they were not victims but were able to overcome their enemies. David subsequently became a military hero and was a favorite in the court of King Saul, whose son, Jonathan, became his best friend. T RUE LEADERS DO NOT SEEK OR PURSUE FOLLOWERS BUT INSTEAD ATTRACT THEM .

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