A Question of Leadership

Main Text: Jeremiah 3:1-18; Todays greatest twenty-first century definition of leadership is influence and the apex function of that leadership role is decision making; therefore, we come to the conclusion that any one with influence and can make good decisions is a good leader. However, according to the word of God in Jeremiah 10:21 and 23: 1-4, it is clear that leadership roles come with shepherding qualities and until a man gets to his fold, he cannot be fruitful, neither can he increase. When shepherds are faithful in their duties, the flock will not be afraid, nor be dismayed, nor will they lack anything because he will feed them with knowledge and with understanding. In the same manner, for a shepherd to be successful, he too has to be set under authority or else he will lead the flock into utter destruction. In every society, there is always the tendency of people gathering around a charismatic leader, a philosophy or principle without verifying the tangibility. The message of Partners in destiny cannot be well understood unless we first settle the issue of knowing where you ought to be and who you ought to run with. In the days that we live in, one of the inscriptions of the Holy Spirit in the heart of men is that men ought to investigate before investing because destruction can come by mere association 1 Samuel 15: 7-11 (Absalom and his 200 innocent associates) and Acts 5: 34-39 (Theudas and his 400 men who came to nothing at the end of the road). More often than not, our partnerships are not in line with destiny just because we base our decisions on charismatic prowess. The fact that something is working does not mean God is the one working it. As a leader, your life is either an answer to peoples wrong cravings or you are Gods own seed in a jigsaw puzzle of destiny where everyone in that puzzle including you fulfills destiny. By examining the lives and leadership qualities of
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Saul and David, you will discover that two people having similar origins, the same character traits, same profession and commensurable achievements do not necessarily end up their lives the same way. This will suggest to you that you need discernment to look before you leap and investigate before you invest your life, time and treasure in anything; because both got the kingdom but ended with different results. The responsible factor for their results was the condition of their hearts one had the heart after God while the other had a heart after the people (Acts 13: 16-23). Saul was Gods response to the wrong cravings of the people and David was raised by God to fulfill purpose. On the way to fulfilling destiny, Saul exhibited ten traits that eventually wrecked him which are landmarks for us to identify in a good or bad leader. I. He sought to please the people rather than God constantly 1 Samuel 15: 1-4; 7-24; (Ezekiel 44: 1014). He preferred dignity to deliverance. Saul preferred mans honour to Gods honour 1 Samuel 15: 24-30 (John 5). Sauls perception of the kingdom was absolutely selfish He never sought God once through out his reign, rather he was justifying all that he once condemned. He built monuments and edifices for himself as a mark of his remembrance. He refused to hearken to prophetic voice and ordered that all priests be wiped out of the land 1 Samuel 22. Like many soulish leaders who do not train people to allow them maximize their potentials, Saul was a user and not a developer 1 Samuel 13: 1, 19-23; 14: 52. He victimized all the people that came to assist him.

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He was full at the expense of the valiant men who joined him1 Samuel 10:24-27. God slew Saul because of his unfaithfulness; He gave Saul to the people in His anger and took him away in His wrath Hosea 13.