Some people fill leadership positions, but really, that’s all they get – the position but not the people. They aren’t good leaders. They’ve just been successful in securing the position. By the way, as a Christian, I must show them respect and submit to those in positions of authority. But a good leader does good first. A good leader leads by example, and it’s powerful.
No better example than Christ could ever be found. He didn’t just preach humility; He displayed it. He didn’t just tell others to be kind, compassionate and generous; from the first glimmer of morning light to the fading colours of the evening skies – He was Kindness, Compassion and Generosity.
King David was a good leader. Although he would never live to see the Temple built for the Lord, he still wanted to do whatever he could for the Lord. The least he could do was to start stockpiling the materials required for its construction.
David announced to his people that he, as the King, had made the ‘official government contributions’ to secure the expensive materials for the future Temple to be built. But really, that would come as no surprise to the people. Hearing that announcement would not melt anyone’s heart. When a politician commits government money to a project or an elder turns over a cheque from the local church to hurricane victims – isn’t that just fulfilling their official responsibility?
What came next in the King’s speech probably caused some jaws to drop. King David went on to say that he had personally dug deep into his own pockets to give generously to the Lord. He said he felt so strongly about this that he had already donated his own personal treasures of gold and silver.
You can almost imagine the eyebrows going up as people whispered to each other: “Imagine that! Our King didn’t just donate from the government coffers; he emptied his own bank account to contribute to the cause. He personally sacrificed much.”
The King continued his speech. “I have told you the commitment my government made to build this Temple for the Lord. I have also humbly shared with you what I have personally given to the Lord. Now I would like to ask you:”
Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?” 1Chronicles 29:5
What did the King mean? He challenged the people to prove their own devotion to the Lord. If they genuinely loved the Lord, they, too, would gladly sacrifice their ‘personal’ treasures to advance the work of the Lord. The phrase “consecrating himself” simply means to fill their hands full of all that’s valuable and bring it to the Lord.
This advice is relevant to us in every sphere of our lives. If you’d like people to be more positive and less critical – then blaze the trail yourself! If you’d like people to be more generous, show them what generosity looks like first. If you’d like people to be more sensitive and better listeners, make sure your ears are always open. If you aspire to a leadership position in your employment – remember: good leaders do good first.
Actions speak louder than words. That’s why King David made his own donation first before he asked his people to dig into their pockets. He was a ‘true’ leader – he had more than a position. He had the people! He never asked the people to do something he hadn’t already done himself.
What enabled David to lead by personal example? The Lord was reigning on the throne of David’s heart. What empowers an elder to lead by example? His own intimacy with Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. What will enable me or you to lead by example? Our closeness to Christ will produce positive behaviour with power and appeal that others cannot ignore.
Throughout your life, remember: good leaders do good first. That axiom is true in the spiritual realm but also the secular sphere as well.
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