Certain character traits are required of Godly leaders. We touched on three in the last few weeks as we examined the leadership lives of Saul, David, and Solomon.
Each man was called and equipped to lead the people of Israel. Saul, David, and Solomon started strong, but each had an issue in their character that prevented them from being all they could be.
Saul’s Motivation Issue
Saul’s issue was his motivation. He wavered between faith in God and fear of men. Saul was so concerned with his popularity among the people he disobeyed God. First, when he failed to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice to God (1 Samuel 13). Then again, when Saul failed to wipe out the Amalekites as he was instructed (1 Samuel 15).
When it comes to a leader’s motivation, Godly leaders are motivated by their faith in God and are not concerned with attaining man’s approval.
David’s Discipline Issue
David’s issue was discipline. He wavered between obedience and disobedience to God. Sometimes, David followed God’s instructions to the letter. Sadly, other times, he did not. David nearly killed a man for disrespecting him (1 Samuel 25). Then, David failed to follow God’s instructions for the movement of the Ark of God into the city (2 Samuel 6). And let’s not forget the murder of Uriah and the affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)!
When it comes to obedience to God, Godly leaders are resolute in their desire to follow God and are repentant when they fall short.
Solomon’s Relational Issue
Solomon’s issue was relational. He wavered between knowledge of God and a relationship with God. God granted Solomon his wish for wisdom and discernment. Reading all that Solomon wrote, we know he thoroughly understood the law of God. And reading his Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, one sees a man who seems to have a deep relationship with God.
Yet, Solomon’s actions betrayed his heart! Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines. He accumulated thousands of horses. He acquired riches like no king ever before him and spent lavishly on himself. Naturally, this behavior contradicted God’s instructions to Israel’s kings.
When it comes to wisdom, Godly leaders recognize the knowledge of God is just the starting point. True wisdom comes from having and maintaining a close relationship with God. Only then can we transform head knowledge into heart relationship.
Motivation, Discipline, and Relationship Among Godly Leaders
Saul’s downfall was he was more concerned with the opinions of man than in being faithful to God. Even when Samuel confronted him with his sin, he remained prideful and unwilling to repent.
David’s downfall was his inability to follow God’s instructions consistently. One day he was a faithful, obedient servant of God, the next day he committed atrocious sins. What saved David in the eyes of the Lord was his repentant heart and willingness to take responsibility for his poor decisions.
Solomon’s downfall was his inability to take what he knew, his knowledge of God, and translate it into a meaningful relationship with God. Even though he knew better, he violated nearly every instruction God gave the kings of Israel.
As great as Saul, David, and Solomon were, they each fell short of God’s best as leaders. Their lives are a warning to us if we hope to be considered Godly leaders ourselves. We must be
- Motivated by our faith in God, not seeking the approval of man.
- Disciplined and consistent in our obedience to God. And,
- Have a deeply personal relationship with God, not merely head knowledge about God.
If we can achieve this as Godly leaders, then perhaps one day we will hear the Lord welcome us into heaven with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
More Articles
I have written several articles on a leader’s character. You can find them by typing “character” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #389: What Happens When A Weak Leader Fails to Lead?
- #373: Do You Deal with Temptations in The Workplace?
- #348: What Kind of Legacy Are You Leaving?
- #240: Here’s Another Nice Mess You’ve Gotten Me Into!
- #181: Pressure, Pleasure, Power, Pride, and Priorities Lead to Failure
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Which character trait (motivation, discipline, relationship) do you think is most important in leaders today? Which do you think is most lacking in leaders today?
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Category: Personal Development | Character
Misplaced motivation, disobedience to God, and failing to have a relationship with Him all lead to places we don’t want to go!
So true John, and a significant issue among a number of leaders today!