David Led Before Saul Left – 1 Chronicles 11:1-3
As the most influential man in the country, David was leading long before Saul lost his throne.
Like it or not, position doesn’t make a person a leader. Title may give someone authority, but not influence. Influence comes from the person; it must be earned. David had earned it and Saul had not. Why was this so?
- Unity: David rallied the people and created unity (v. 1).
- Identification: David identified with his followers as family (v. 1).
- Credibility: David effectively led various military campaigns (v. 2).
- Anointing: David enjoyed God’s hand and power on his life (v. 2).
- Partnership: David worked cooperatively with key leaders, not over them (v. 3).
Esther’s Influence – Esther 1:12
When Queen Vashti refused to be put on display, King Ahasuerus grew angry. At the counsel of his advisors, he removed her from office, opening the door for Esther to take her spot. Esther serves as a marvelous illustration of how God uses one person’s influence to accomplish His plans!
Measuring Leadership – Psalm 82:1-8
Many passages in Scripture declare God to be the Ultimate Judge (Ps. 7:8; 9:8; 10:18; 26:1; Prov. 31:9; Is. 1:17; etc.). A judge brings justice to bear, punishing the criminal and rewarding the righteous.
But before the final Day of Judgment, God uses His leaders to vindicate His people and urge the wicked to repent. God has entrusted His leaders with the gospel of Jesus Christ, through which men can be delivered from final judgment. Listen to the Lord’s promise to His people: “I will restore your judges as at the first” (Is. 1:26). Spiritual leaders are to take this task seriously and to use their influence to promote justice. This differentiates true judges from false judges:
| True Judges | False Judges |
| 1. Chosen and appointed by God (Deut. 16:18) | 1. Rule by their own power (Jer. 5:30, 31) |
| 2. Responsible for certain areas (2 Chr. 19:5) | 2. Lead others astray (Mic. 3:5) |
| 3. Righteous and trustworthy (Deut. 16:18) | 3. Irresponsible, selfish (Mic. 3:1, 2) |
People Thrive or Groan – Proverbs 29:2-18
People reflect their leader. We cannot expect followers to grow beyond their leader. We cannot expect followers to turn out fundamentally different from their leader. People feel attracted to leaders like them; they also reflect those who lead them. Consider what Proverbs 29 tells us about the influence of good and bad leaders:
- Attitudes (v. 2)
When good leaders rule, people rejoice; when the wicked reign, people groan. - Stability (v. 4)
When moral leaders rule, they establish justice; compromising leaders tear things down. - Compassion (v. 7)
Good leaders express concern for the poor; bad leaders reflect no compassion for anyone. - Honesty (v. 12)
When leaders pay attention to lies, their staff begins to esteem the same deceptions. - Vision (v. 18)
Solid vision keeps everyone on track; chaos reigns wherever the vision lapses.
Join me next time for The Law of Influence Part 5.