Heart and Hand

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds…With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” Psalm 78:70,72 ESV

I recall many years ago when I as at a pastor’s conference in the Philippines we chose this verse as a theme for the conference. I do hope some day to return to this part of the world. With my study of scriptures over the past several years, I believe I have more to share now than ever before.

This verse strikes at the heart and balance of leadership. Often discussions will take place whether leadership is an “art or skill”? Are leaders naturally gifted to lead or can leadership be learned? What often is over looked is the skill of leading is only one aspect of the job. A good leader also needs the right “heart.”

David, who is revered as the “great King of Israel,” was known as a “man after God’s own heart.” Yes, he had his woeful failures, but it is our response to failures, not our perfection that determines character in the final analysis. I would submit that an effective leader needs both the heart to lead and the skill to lead.

You can certainly learn leadership skills. I have found the challenge is not understanding the concepts, but the ability to apply them in an effective manner. If you don’t have the right attitude that can be a great challenge. The motives we possess, how we respond to adversity, how we treat and value others, the investment we make in others is as much a matter of the heart as the head.

I’ve known  and observed some effective leaders who don’t exhibit that much “heart.” But generally, their demeanor and disposition comes to define the organization and progress can be made at the sacrifice of morale and high turnover.

David became a leader as one from humble beginnings. He was the youngest in his family and did not even merit being included among his brothers as a “candidate” for King to be presented before Samuel the prophet. It is of interest then that the metaphor used in David’s approach to leadership is that of a “shepherd.” If you the leader doesn’t care about those he leads, the followers won’t care about the leader.

But effective leadership is making progress and moving an organization or nation forward to strength, security and vitality. That does call for a “skillful hand.” Knowing what to do, how to do it and when can summarize the challenge in simple terms.

As we examine the migration of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to the promise land, we can observe God’s leadership in terms of the “heart and the hand.” I believe the same is reflected in Moses the leader of God’s people. Moses was found often interceding for a sinful, rebellious people, but also giving the need instruction, direction and accountability.

One thing we can observe is that when the Lord is in the midst of a life and His wisdom and strength is sought,  God will provide the leader all that is needed in the task the leader is called to accomplish.

Prayer for today…. Lord, once again we find powerful words tucked into scripture. Concepts that speak to us and challenge us in our work for You and our work in accomplishing tasks through others. Allow us to trust You to provide for us all that we need in the duties and responsibilities that You set before us.