1 Smuel 26:9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

This verse, and similar expression throughout this chapter as well as in chapter 24, are often quoted by church leaders who don’t want to be criticized for what they are doing, especially when it is questionable. However, that is clearly a distortion, as I see it. David did not hesitate to criticize Saul and what he was doing, but he refused to take judgment into his own hands. David knew full well that God was more than able to take care of that Himself! Leaders are never above criticism, and an environment that implies that they are is certainly not healthy. Paul was all for respecting leadership, even when he wasn’t the leader in question. (1 Thessalonians 5:12) However, any leader who tries to hide behind a title isn’t assured of their anointing in the first place! Leadership isn’t easy, and those being led shouldn’t make it any more difficult, but a leader who is blinded by pride, or any other sin, for that matter, is only going to lead people into problems. (Luke 6:39) Good leadership requires assurance, but it also requires humility.

Leadership is something I have always been ambivalent about. I don’t dislike the spotlight, necessarily, but I’m not always happy with the responsibility that comes with the territory. I have greatly benefited from honest criticism, but I haven’t always responded to it well. I have a pretty strong defensive reaction (which I am working on) that makes some people afraid to say anything. That’s not good! It is far more damaging for people to be grumbling in the shadows than for them to be up front with their questions and reservations. I am to be assured of what the Lord has shown me, but still allow the Lord to use others to make course corrections. I can’t begin to know every­thing, and the minute I think, or pretend, I do I’m in dangerous territory.

Father, thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for how You have grown me in leadership, and how You are still growing me. Over the next week I will not be “the one in charge” at any point, and frankly, I’m not used to that! Help me be available to You and supportive of those who are in leadership, so that in all things Your will may be done on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!