Reading through the final chapter of I Chronicles presents some insightful ingredients of effective leadership, demonstrated by King David just prior to his death. To be sure, David previously had great expectations of building the temple of the Lord, but the LORD came to the king and told him that he would not be the one to build the place of worship. Instead, the calling to lead the people in the constructive efforts would be David's young and inexperienced son, Solomon (I Chronicles 22).
Rather than becoming distraught that God was not commissioning him to the task that he desired to fulfill, David prepared for the appropriate transition in such a way that the will of God would be accomplished smoothly. David did not sulk in self-pity and misery at lost opportunity; instead, he saw that the purposes of God were bigger than himself (even though he was the king of Israel), and he simply wanted to be an instrument used of the Lord, no matter to what degree he was involved.
In I Chronicles 29, we find some wonderful ingredients of effective leadership by the King:
1. Leadership transparency: First, David shared with the whole assembly that his Son, was "young and inexperienced." David knew that the people would need to rally around the new king, and they would need to support him in the task to which God had called him. David didn't masquerade his son as something that he wasn't. He was honest and forthright with the people.
2. A recognition that the calling of God was a great one: Any calling of God is of tremendous importance and therefore is worthy of our greatest efforts. David did not discount the calling or trivialize it as just another activity in the people's lives. This calling was of utmost importance.
3. A clear understanding of the purpose: David knew that the temple was being constructed for God's glory. It was not for a spectacular presentation of such grandeur that the people should swell up with pride. Rather, it was for God and God alone.
4. A willingness to use his own resources: Not only did David use the national treasuries for the construction of the temple, but he also used his own personal resources for the work of the Lord.
5. The king was devoted: In I Chronicles 29:3, David states that he was devoted to this cause. He might not be the one in charge of building the temple, but he certainly was devoted to the preparations necessary to get the people ready for its construction.
6. The king rallied the people: David summoned the people and asked, "Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?" Leadership necessitates not only mobilization but also motivation.
7. The king intentionally set aside a time for corporate prayer: David recognized that all that was being done was for God. It was important that the people would remember that God was the only One to be glorified. Therefore, David prays a prayer to God and celebrates God because He is great, He is LORD, He is everlasting, He is omnipotent, He is glorious, He is majestic, He is splendid, He is Sovereign, He is Ruler, and He is Strength. With this mindset, David could not help but be thankful to God for all of His goodness to the people of Israel.
8. David recognized that everything came from God: He wanted it to be known that the generous gifts given by the people were in fact only possible because God Himself had been gracious to His people in providing the blessings to them.
9. David understood that God tests the heart and is pleased with integrity: Just as David himself was tested with the denial of building the temple, so too he wanted the people to understand that times of testing would come from God to see what was in the people's hearts. Would they trust God? Would they follow Him even in the difficult times?
10. David expressed joy at seeing the people respond to "the cause": David was not self-consumed, being more interested in his own legacy or accomplishments. He genuinely loved the people and celebrated the collaborative efforts of all the people.
11. David loved the people: The king prayed to God pleading that He would keep the people engaged in the passionate desire of giving and loyalty. Again, the king was not disinterested in his subjects; rather, he was deeply concerned for them and wanted them to reach their fullest potential.
12. David directly called the people to praise God: Again, the king wanted the people never to lose sight of the important fact that everything that was being done was not for themselves but for God.
As leaders, called by God to His service and for His glory, let us not soon forget these principles of effective leadership; for by attuning out hearts to them and faithfully following them, we will be the effective leaders that our Lord has called us to be.
As leaders, called by God to His service and for His glory, let us not soon forget these principles of effective leadership; for by attuning out hearts to them and faithfully following them, we will be the effective leaders that our Lord has called us to be.
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