5 Principles of Leadership from the Life of David

I’ve learned a lot about leadership from the life of David. 

A great book to find leadership principles is the Bible. I have learned from leaders like Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jacob, and Nehemiah. Of course, the greatest leader of the Bible – and life – is Jesus.

But I identify with David. From his time in the wilderness and serving as king, good and bad, I learn a great deal about leadership and what is required to successfully lead by observing David.

Take for example this story. It’s one of my favorites.

I’ve used this dozens of times to encourage leaders.

When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah. But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!” 1 Samuel 23:1-3

Notice David had a vision. He had a word from God, but this was a bigger request than David and his men probably felt capable of doing. They were still a young army. This was prior to David reigning as king. He had been anointed king by God, but did not yet have the position. At the time, he was hiding from Saul. He didn’t have a king’s palace and spent much of his time in a cave. We know from the previous chapter new army were mostly misfits. They weren’t battle trained.

This new assignment was scary, his army was questioning him, and the future was unknown.

Have you experienced a situation like David as a leader?

Are there times you feel in over your head in a leadership quandary?

Thankfully David’s story had a happy ending: (Of course it did, since God put him up to it.) Yet, even with a happy ending ahead it didn’t mean victory would come without challenges.

Read some more of the story to see what leaders of faith do.

Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.” So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. 1 Samuel 23:4-5

David went back to God, made sure he was within the will of God, and then moved forward by faith. It doesn’t appear his men questioned him anymore.

I see 5 leadership principles of David appropriate for all leaders:

We seldom get to rest for long –

In church planting and in church revitalization – and in my years leading in the business world – I never knew seasons of rest for very long. They could be good seasons or not so good seasons, but there was always something demanding our attention. Something new was happening. There were challenges around us.

It reminds me that we must rest along the way. Don’t expect things to “slow down” so you can catch up. They won’t. You’ll have to be disciplined to decompress regularly. God even commanded it into the system. It’s called the Sabbath. We need it. Our souls need it.

Next steps are scary –

If they weren’t people wouldn’t need a leader. Next steps involve risk, require faith, and the future is an unknown. If David had not been obedient his “team” would have easily sat this one out – ignoring the command of God. No doubt, this was scary to David also. Even when we know the right thing to do it can still be scary.

Leaders lead –

That’s what leaders do. They take people where they need to go, maybe even where they want to go, and sometimes where they are hesitant, afraid or may not yet be prepared to go. People don’t need a leader to stay where they are currently. We could manage that.

As a leader I have to be obedient, even when the demands are bigger than I think our team can handle – bigger than I as a leader know how to lead. Leaders chart the way – even when the way isn’t neat, tidy, and clearly defined.

Big visions require faith –

God doesn’t call us to that which is easy. He would receive no glory in us doing things we can naturally do – and seriously – what kind of a dream is it if it’s easily accomplished? Surely the God who can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine would want us to dream bigger than that which is easily attained.

Victory won’t come unless we move forward –

You can’t realize the rewards of a God-given vision until you take the required actions. Standing still is safer, but it doesn’t bring the satisfaction of a well-executed, bold move of faith. Leaders must be willing to take the first step.

What are you being called to these days that is bigger than you?

Check out my leadership podcast where we discuss issues of leadership in a practical way. Plus, check out the other Lifeway Leadership Podcasts.