The Weight of Leadership

Even when we don't know it, some one is watching us. We are always influencing someone. Each and every one of us are leaders to someone. Let your actions be a witness to those around you. As my Father always says "Witness to those around you, and when necessary, use words" Our actions should be enough of a witness so that we do not need to use words


Before I begin, A little backstory: David's son, Absalom, has an army of his own and is trying to take David's Kingdom from him.
2 Samuel 18: 1-5: David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of hundreds and thousands over them. He then sent out the troops, one-third under Joab, one-third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and one-third under Ittai the Gittite. The King said to the troops, "I will also march out with you"
"You must not go!" The people pleaded. "If we have to flea, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth 10,000 of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city"
"I will do whatever you think is best," The king replied to them. So he stood beside the gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. The King commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Treat the Young man Absalom gently for my sake." All the people heard the king's orders to all the commanders about Absalom


As leaders, we need to keep our emotions in check. Absalom is David's enemy, but David tries to show mercy on him, even though Absalom is trying to kill him, and already has killed many of David's men and will kill many more. David is showing his troops that he cares more for his enemy than he does his own army


2 Samuel 18:32-33: The King asked the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom all right?"
The Cushite replied, "May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent"
The King was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, "My son, Absalom! My son, my son Absolam! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!"


David is letting his personal emotions get in the way. The soldiers did what needed to be done, and killed Absalom, and by grieving for him, David is showing, once again, that he cares more for his enemy than for his loyal troops


We need to put aside our emotions whenever we are making a decision. Often times, the right decision will demand personal sacrafice. Do you have what it takes to be a leader? You must be able to make the hard decisions in life. Remember, We are always guiding others, even when we don't know it. David grieved for his son, but little did he know he was putting down his troops at the same time! It is ok to have personal feelings and emotions, but sometimes they should be put aside till we are alone. Had David congratulated his men, then grieved when he was alone in his quarters, his men would have been uplifted. Romans 14:19 Reads "We must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another"


Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you should never show emotion in public, But there is a time and place when we need to put them aside


2 Samuel 19:5-7: Then Joab went into the house of David and said, "Today you have shamed all your soldiers - those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you!
Now get up! Go out and encourage your soldiers, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from all your youth until now!"


We all need a Joab in our lives. Joab was not being to harsh. He did what needed to be done, and put David in his place, so that David could do his job. Sometimes we all need some sense smacked into us. We need to have someone there who will be straight and truthful with us when we're in the wrong. And Vice Versa. Whenever we see a friend of ours who is in the wrong, we need to put them in their place. We could be the only ones willing, and if we don't, they won't know they're in the wrong, and could suffer because of it