The Leader’s Heart

The future had looked bright for Israel on their first royal inauguration day. The tall and handsome son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin had been anointed as their first king and hopes were high that soon Israel would emerge as a nation of stature and prestige, reflecting the character of their picturesque leader.

However, their hopes were dashed and their dreams quickly faded as Saul’s poor choices, foolish presumptuousness, and undisciplined character proved fatal to his leadership and Israel’s future. A new king, according to Samuel the prophet, would rise to the throne and breathe new hope and promise, a greater and brighter future than the Benjamite star could ever offer. This new leader of God’s people was unassuming; the youngest child of Jesse, known for an ambition that was greater than his sense of royalty, and a tender of his father’s sheep. But one thing he possessed that others did not was a heart after God.

His heart after God recognized divine destiny. His Psalms reveal his conviction that God shaped him in his mother’s womb with a purpose in mind. His encounters with the lion and bear and the showdown with Goliath were all part of God’s destined creation.

His heart after God was honest. His prayers pulled no punches and hid no conviction; if he was angry, he said it, if he was afraid, he confessed it. Always however, God was invited to search the inner recesses of his heart and show him his frailty and sin.

His heart after God was tender. As a shepherd, he knew the work of leading gently the wayward sheep and the importance of shaping them while they were hurting. David allowed God to shape his heart in pain.

Finally, his heart after God was intensely aware of God’s working in his life and His inescapable presence. He knew that creation revealed His handiwork that the heavens declared His glory, and that even in the depths of the earth, he could not be shaken. He was always aware of God at work.

Leadership certainly demands skill and competence. It necessitates great attentiveness and ongoing learning but more than anything, it calls for a heart after God. A heart that recognizes God’s destiny, demonstrates integrity, submits to loving correction, and looks for God’s activity. You may lead others without all the skill you think you need, but without the heart after God, you will never lead others to higher ground!