OUR LEADERSHIP SCORECARD

by Jacqueline Grey

The responses of Old Testament kings, Saul and David, are great leadership lessons for 21st century pastors. Rev Prof JACQUELINE GREY compares the desire for power and popularity with the humble heart to please God.

In 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel boldly confronted King Saul. Saul had disobeyed God’s instructions by keeping alive King Agag as a prized war trophy. Saul’s continual rejection of God’s ways resulted in the kingship being taken from him and given to another (1 Samuel 15:28).

Saul’s response? He said, “I have sinned. But please honour me before the elders of my people and before Israel” (15:30). Saul craved public honour. He had already built a monument to himself at Carmel (15:2). Saul was desperate to maintain his prestige and position, even without God’s favour.

The test of a leader

We now fast-forward to David, who had been anointed to be king to replace Saul. In 1 Samuel 25, David was hiding from Saul in the wilderness near Carmel. It was at Carmel that a man named Nabal and his wife, Abigail, lived. Nabal was a rich land-holder so he was part of the powerful ‘in crowd’ and supporter of the current king, Saul.

David and his men served Nabal while in the wilderness, by protecting Nabal’s shepherds and livestock. Under ancient hospitality protocols, David had every expectation he and his men should receive a reward for their service at harvest time. Nabal not only refused to give this reward but also belittled David, saying: “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse?” (v.10). Nabal used his speech to exclude and undercut David. He tried to put David in his place.

David responded to Nabal in defense of his own honour. He rashly vowed revenge in the form of bloodshed and violence. We can see David was more concerned for his reputation than practicing godliness. In fact, David acted just like Saul. If this was a test of leadership, David was headed for failure.

But then something happens. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, intervened to break the cycle of violence (25: 23-31). Abigail boldly confronted David while he was marching to kill Nabal. Abigail reminds David of his calling to be a godly king, not one who achieves power by destroying others. Then something amazing happened: David listens to the words of Abigail. David turned from this path of revenge (25: 32-35). He would not become another King Saul. He would not prioritise his own personal prestige. Instead, he chose the path of humility. Indeed, God vindicated David. David passed the test. His scorecard was clean.

How is our scorecard?

O Have we used our words to undercut someone else so we look good?

O Have we jostled and excluded others so we can be honoured before the elders?

O Have we disregarded the voice of the Abigails in our world?

It’s these little tests of character - how we respond in smaller situations – that point to how we will respond in bigger, more pressurised situations.

We have an amazing fellowship of pastors with a passion for God and a heart to serve Him with our whole beings. May we encourage each other to build a culture that prioritises humility, and not a culture that prioritises personal prestige. May we call each other out if we slip into Saul-like behaviour of selfish ambition. May we be like Abigail in this way.

Rev Prof Jacqueline Grey is the Dean of Theology and Professor of Biblical Studies at Alphacrucis College.