Leadership

By: Xh. Sean Yang

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 16:7

People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Summary

What makes a great leader? Many people choose to be a leader because they “look the part” or want the respect and power that comes with it. However, Scriptures say, the mark of a great leader goes much deeper. God taught this lesson to His prophet Samuel when he was tasked with anointing the new leader of Israel.

God sent Samuel to Bethlehem, to the home of Jesse, saying: “I have chosen one of his sons to be king” (v. 1). Samuel was determined to find someone worthy of the challenge and he knew that King Saul was not the type to give up his position and leave on his own quietly. Saul was taller than most people and he had a more significant presence (1 Sam. 9:2).

Once Samuel arrived at Jesse’s home and met his seven sons, Samuel was impressed. He thought, “Surely among these young men is the perfect candidate to unseat King Saul” (v. 8–10). However, as Jesse evaluated each son, Samuel was not convinced. God had taught Samuel not to look at the external appearance, because great leaders go deeper than what can be seen. “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (v. 7).

But there was one more son, the youngest. Samuel would anoint David as God’s chosen one, and “the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully” upon him (v. 13). The LORD chose David to lead because He knew David would lead from the heart.

What does that mean? Leading from the heart means that the Lord’s purpose becomes your purpose. Though he would not lead a perfect life, David took responsibility for his actions and learned how to trust God with his whole heart.

Reflect

Many of us may not feel like we’re a qualified leader or someone who has all the skills or qualities of a leader, but God looks beyond your external traits or credentials. The Lord searches deeper than that; He is looking at your heart. There’s a saying, God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. May you rest assured that if God chooses to use you, He will help you fulfill the role and give you the tools and skills needed to be such.

Pray

Heavenly Father, at times we may feel that we are not sufficient enough to lead people. Many times, we feel we aren’t qualified to lead or have the skill set to do so. However, though we feel inadequate, may our hearts be of your will and not of the world’s. May we have boldness and strength from you and you alone. Allow us to lead with pureness that only comes from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.