"And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel." -2 Samuel 5:12
Have you ever thought about why God raises up a leader? Why are leaders in positions of authority and power? Is it so they can use this power for their own gain?
In David's case, God had specifically chosen him to be king over Israel. God chose a man "after His own heart" (Acts 13:22) to lead the people to Israel, to protect them, and to help them prosper. The reason God raises up a leader is for the sake of the people. In the verse above, it says God had "blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel."
"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant." -Max DePree
So many people believe that leadership is about the perks they receive as a leader -- the power, the prestige, the attention. But true leadership is not about that at all. Leadership is a type of public service. Its purpose is to make the lives of those you serve better -- economically, spiritually, emotionally, or relationally. If we aren't making people's lives better, then what are we doing as leaders?
Let us be aware of what true leadership is, and the reasons why God raises up a leader: "...for the sake of His people."
Related resource: The Supernatural Ways of Royalty: Discovering Your Rights and Privileges of Being a Son or Daughter of God by Kris Vallotton, Bill Johnson
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