Truly great leaders understand that leadership is all about the opportunity to serve people and add quality to their life. Read 1 Samuel 8:10-18 and 12:1-5.

In ancient Israel godly leaders were hard to find. Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest leaders, was one of the few. His life reflects the story of an intimate God-with-man relationship. Samuel loved God and even in childhood began developing the courage and conviction he would need during the difficult days in which he would serve Israel as prophet and judge.

The issue of impartial leadership is critical for effective leadership. It is natural to want family or good friends in our leadership world but there are some potential problems leaders should take into consideration. Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 22-36.

In The Maxwell Leadership Bible, John Maxwell writes about Eli’s Leadership: Success as a Priest, Not as a Parent.

First Timothy 3:4-5 has this to say about leaders: “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect, (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25 and 1Timothy 3.

Eli was a successful priest and judge in Israel, yet he failed to discipline his own sons. As a result, they grew increasingly rebellious and contemptuous concerning the things of God. Eli’s failure in this area led not only to a loss of credibility, but ultimately to his own downfall.