Leadership is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. In Scripture, leaders are given influence as stewards to manage the resources that are owned by the Lord. When a leader builds into the lives of others and participates in the development of their potential, a leader is acting as a faithful steward of divine responsibility. Read 1 Chronicles 18:14-17.

David understood that he was the steward of human gifts and talents. He gave appropriate responsibility and authority to people of proven commitment and ability.

Leaders who selfishly pursue their own interests above those of God and others become unfaithful stewards whose influence debase rather than edify. A few select passages from 2 Kings that bring this point home are: 3:1-3; 8:16-27; 12:1-8; 13:1-6.

The second book of the kings of Israel and Judah describes the final days of the divided kingdom before both halves fall into captivity. As much as anything, this book is the story of failed leadership. Although there were some examples of earthly success, there were very few leaders that showed godly character, competence and compassion and the people they led reflected the deficiencies of the leaders.

A built in question for a Christian leader is “When does human planning get in the way of trusting God for results?” Or conversely, “When does faith become a leader’s presumption on God, expecting God to do for us what He expects us to do for ourselves?” Read Joshua 8:1-29.

In Chapter 7 we read of the debacle that took place in the first attack of Ai. In Chapter 8 Joshua demonstrates a balance between faith and human planning as the Israelites prepare to attack Ai a second time. God ordered the attack and instructed Joshua to “Set an ambush behind the city,” but gave few other details of the attack. Once God had given Joshua the green light, Joshua planned and carried out the particulars of the attack. Once Joshua knew he had God’s blessing on the project, he gave clear orders to his army in obedience to God’s instruction. There was no hint of uncertainty or indecisiveness; instead, his commands were clear, authoritative and specific.

God established the concept of working in teams. Read Genesis 2:18-24.

God realized that it was not good for Adam to work alone. He created for Adam a teammate that was a perfect match for his needs and complement to his skills. It is interesting that God did not clone Adam but made an entirely new creature that complimented Adam’s skills. Adam and Eve were not one mind but could function as one mind.