1 Samuel 23:3 (NKJV)
“But David’s men said to him, ‘Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?’”
There are different types of leadership, and different types of followership. Today’s devotion will seek to encourage what we consider the pilgrim type of leadership and followership. As pilgrims, we are devoted to the Jesus model in everything.
There is a leadership style that is of the world. This type of leadership is bossy, coercive, and forceful. It does not encourage freedom of expression or relationship with followers. In this system, a follower is silent and simply follows. That’s all.
But that is not the Jesus model. In the Jesus way, the leader is a loving shepherd who gives direction but who also listens to the sheep. He allows the sheep liberty to express themselves and to speak their concerns.
In this correct leadership style, followers feel at home with their leader. While they respect him, they don’t see him as a boss, and are not afraid of him. They can share their concerns and even disagree with him in a respectful way.
Look at Jesus and His disciples. They could ask Him anything, anytime. In fact, Peter even dared to rebuke Him by insisting He does not go to the cross. Peter challenged Jesus’ spiritual direction and conviction because he had the space to do so.
This was the same leadership style David used. His followers respected him but did not fear him. Even after he had prayed and said the Lord wanted them to go and fight the Philistines, they expressed their fears to him and forced him to go pray again.
We don’t preach rebellion against leadership, but we encourage an inclusive and listening leadership style. This is the God-type of leadership; this is how we must serve the people we lead.
Are you a leader? Lead like Jesus and David. Create a warm, interactive environment for those you lead. Are you a follower? While serving with men, be free to express your deepest convictions. This is pilgrim leadership and followership.