Christian mentors must take care to help those they mentor establish the right core values. Read 2 Chronicles 24:15-19.

Jehoiada the priest has been instrumental in protecting the lineage of David; God’s chosen royal line that would eventually produce Jesus as Messiah. He hid Joash, a member of the royal line, from the Queen Mother Athaliah when she took power in Judah by murdering all her grandsons. Jehoiada hid Joash in the temple for seven years and eventually led a group of temple and palace guards to overthrow Athaliah and establish Joash as king.

Leaders set the emotional environment for those who follow them and will give their team courage or fear. Read 1 Samuel 31:7.

During a battle between the Israelite army and the Philistine army, King Saul and all of his sons were killed. In one battle the accepted leadership of the nation was gone. Without a trusted leader to give direction, the people were overcome with fear and anxiety. They actually took their families, left their homes and possessions behind, and ran for safety.

If you have been serving as a leader for very long you already know that leadership requires courage. We are not talking about the Hollywood one-time event that puts your name in the headlines but the day to day inner courage that holds your team together when every indication around them could cause fear. Read 1 Samuel 9:1-13:14.

According to 9:2 and 10:23 Saul had the advantage of an impressive physical appearance. Unfortunately, the impressive exterior wasn’t matched by an equal inner strength. Inner strength can’t be measured as easily with first impressions. The inner strength of a leader can only be measured by watching their actions over time. Observe the leadership of Saul: