I was reading about David's Mighty Men today and this thought crossed my mind: if David had been consumed with insecurity like his predecessor, Saul, he would have surrounded himself with weak men. I know that sounds silly to say, but I think that is what a lot of leaders do. They sabotage themselves by NOT surrounding themselves with the best or the brightest. Why? Insecurity. Just a thought. But I do know this. Early on in ministry, your level of influence will be determined by your competence. But give it a few years, and your level of influence will be determined by the competence of the people you surround yourself with. If you struggle with insecurity you'll never reach the level of influence God wants you to have. Why? Because you're not surrounded my Mighty Men.
Think about this. Anyone of those Mighty Men probably could have killed David. But David wasn't threatened by their strengths. He marshaled them. He led them. He rallied them to his cause.
Here's the litmus test when it comes to insecurity: are you threatened by the strengths of others?
Think about this. Anyone of those Mighty Men probably could have killed David. But David wasn't threatened by their strengths. He marshaled them. He led them. He rallied them to his cause.
Here's the litmus test when it comes to insecurity: are you threatened by the strengths of others?
19 Comments:
Wow! Great insight Mark! I feel like I have grown a lot with respect to being insecure. However, I am still pretty threatened by the knowledge and strengths of others--I still have a ways to go.
Wow! Great insight Mark! I feel like I have grown a lot with respect to being insecure. However, I am still pretty threatened by the knowledge and strengths of others--I still have a ways to go.
Great thought. We should never be afraid to surround ourselves with those who will speak truth in our lives. Only the strong speak the truth, only the great speak truth in love.
KHA
Wow very true...to resist that is a fast slide to failure.
Mark this is a great Thot. You know I remember reading Psalm 101 and david did surround himself with people who where to be strong and of good report. I so agree with you. Thanks Bro, your friend in Salisbury, MD.
Way off topic:
What sermon podcasts do you listen to?
I heard you mention you listen to them on Sunday and I am looking to expand my library of sermon podcasts.
Check out Seven Priorities post from last week. In the comments I mention several of them :)
Mark
Oh thanks so much!
My Dad taught me as a young man to surround myself with people who were better than me. The idea is that it makes you get better or be left behind. Also it makes it more about the team and less about you. Great sports teaching that works great in church. I need to be a Mighty Man to lead Mighty Men to build a Mighty Church to build the Mighty Kingdom of God!
Great post Mark.
That is exactly what my leadership team at Band of Brothers Omaha consists of... and it has made all the difference.
Dave
I have a question. How do I know the level of influence God wants me to have?
Brett,
Good question. Short answer? You don't. But I do know this: he wants you to have MORE influence-qualitatively and quantitatively.
So we've got to keep surrounding ourselves with people who stretch us toward our potential.
Mark
Isn't this all determined by faith though? I mean Moses had trouble with public speaking, Jonah was a coward, and Paul persecuted the church. But when given faith in God they preached to the church.
Powerful stuff! Thanks for your investment in me! YOU ROCK B
I feel like that is exactly what I have done through your blog (and many other well-known pastor's blogs-and twitter accounts). I am afraid at times I am driving you all crazy (with my comments and questions), but have so much passion! Thank you for always responding to me when I call!
Came across your blogspot - may the LORD add increase to your wisdom and grant you further revelation of His word. Thank you for speaking truth to the Body of Christ, esp. as it relates to leadership. The church where i am currently has this dynamic as they are holding elections for elder/deacon/trustee - the pastor has nominated two who are his longtime friends. The bias of relationship has not allowed him to see how dangerous it is to use these friendships as the basis of nomination when they are very weak leaders as well as spiritual infants. i am greatly grieved in response to the vexation of Spirit - so your post only confirmed my concern. Thanks be to God for your obedience.
Came across your blogspot - may the LORD add increase to the wisdom He has bestowed upon you and grant you further revelation of His word. Thank you for speaking truth to the Body of Christ, esp. as it relates to leadership. The church where i am currently has this dynamic as they are holding elections for elder/deacon/trustee - the pastor has nominated two who are his longtime friends. The bias of relationship has not allowed him to see how dangerous it is to use these friendships as the basis of nomination when they are very weak leaders as well as spiritual infants. i am greatly grieved in response to the vexation of Spirit - so your post only confirmed my concern. Thanks be to God for your obedience.
Amiable dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you for your information.
This is so true. I had to learn my areas of weakness early. I did this so I could get people around me that were stronger in those areas. At times I wish I were strong in those other areas but I have to come to term with who God created me to be and be content with that!
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