Son of Jesse, The Lord’s Anointed
Leadership Traits of the World’s Greatest Leader (second to Jesus)
Trait #1- Lover of God
“The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people,” (1 Samuel 13:14).
David was a man who was after God’s own heart. One way I like to see this is he was in relentless pursuit of God’s heart. Not in the sense of trying to get in closer proximity with a distant God (as if the Omnipresent One could be absent from us), but in the sense of being desperate to know Him personally more on a deeper level. He was chasing after God’s heart.
His relationship was not built on the concept of God, but rooted in deep intimacy with the person of God. He was the kind of person who would utilize his work breaks as an opportunity to worship because he couldn’t wait any longer for another encounter with His love.
Even when facing death all around him, the affections of his heart were not distracted from the presence of God. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me… You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” (Psalm 23:5-6).
Revelation 1:6 says that Jesus has “made us kings and priests to His God and Father,” (NKJV). Although David was appointed as king, he valued being a priest unto God as his highest and most honored calling. He cared more about having a heart-connection with God than he did about having authority over people. God is moved by a heart of worship and selfless surrender.
Luke 2:52 says that even Jesus grew in favor with God and men. This was David’s experience. As we seek first His kingdom and all its righteousness, all the rest falls into place (Matthew 6:33).
Growing in favor with God in heaven (priesthood) will bear the fruit of growing in favor with men on earth (kingship). “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him,” (Hebrews 11:6). God seeks out for Himself people after His own heart so He can appoint them to lead His people.
God knows that people who love Him with their whole heart are people of character, and furthermore, trustworthy to handle promotions well.
Do you love God first in every part of your life? If so, prepare yourself, for kingdom promotions are coming in due time!
see also:
David’s Trait #5: Dependent on Anointing
David’s Trait #4: Confident in the Call
