Bible Week Booklet Fijian Version BB 2019 English | Page 16

STUDY 7 GOD’S WORD GIVES LIFE
FOR LEADERS
Bible Text - Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
David was one of the finest and most illustrious leaders of Israel. Despite
his imperfections, God used him in a mighty way to defeat a giant,
deliver a nation from imminent shame and defeat and propelled him to a
position of leadership in Israel.
If one has to dissect David’s secret to success as a leader, the primacy
of the Word of God in his life must be at the top. It is obvious from
the text above (Psalm 119:105) and the entire book of Psalm.
David was not only a worshipper. He was also a warrior at heart.
He developed into a leader of courage with wisdom and strength
beyond his years. He took responsibility seriously and was always
at the forefront in everything. He led from the front; not the rear. He
developed into maturity very quickly because he was responsible.
He demonstrated his godly spirit through his willingness to take
on Goliath while the great warriors of Israel hid in their tents (1
Sam 17:40-50). He enjoyed a clear sense of dependence on God
and made sure God would get the glory for any success in his life.
Despite being the youngest in a family of eight boys, God chose him anyway.
He was a leader after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14). What qualified him as
a leader by God’s standard? He was a man of character. He does not major
on his outward impressiveness but on his inward character (1 Sam 16:7).
True godly character is nurtured in privacy in one’s secret and sacred
place in God. The book of Psalms (longest in the Bible) is a testament
to David’s heart for worship and intentional focus and raw dependence
on God. Any leader who does the same as David will also be successful.
God is looking for godly leaders in the family, church, business and the
nation. John Maxwell said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
This was true with Israel then and also true for us today. When Israel
had a good leader, God blessed the nation but when Israel had a bad
leader, the nation is punished. Godly leadership is all about putting God
first in everything and complete obedience and adherence to His word.
15