First Kings
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Instinctive Leadership
(I Kings 1:31-40)
At times, decisive action means the difference between crisis and calm. When one has the luxury of studying his options, he should do so. In times of urgency and distress, however, it is often necessary to act quickly—sometimes from “gut instinct” alone. There are moments when indecision, vacillation, and hesitancy cost too much to entertain. Delay can be deadly. While studied wisdom is admirable, instinctive leadership frequently wins the day when time is of the essence. Entire wars have been one on instinct alone.
David had become a man of instinctive leadership. Such ability is not an arbitrary gift of nature. Rather, David learned principles from the sum of his experiences. For example, he had been down the road of attempted sedition on several occasions. He knew from experience what was necessary at that very moment. David’s confidence in the crisis came from his experience in handling many such debacles in life. Don’t disparage your circumstances! God may be preparing you for greater leadership.
Secondly, David’s instinctive leadership stemmed from his understanding of human nature. Throughout his life, David was a master at winning hearts. He knew what people longed for; and he delivered. Even in the succession crisis, David understood the symbolic importance of both prophet and priest anointing Solomon (32-34). It would take more than David’s word to install the new king. Solomon needed the backing of the most respected spiritual leaders in the realm.
Most importantly, David and his loyal followers led with the conviction that they were doing God’s will (35-37). For the Christian, “instinct” could better be described as the leading of the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14). While studied responses are optimum, instinctual leadership frequently wins in a crisis. Learn, at least in part, to lead from your “gut.”
