From Shepherd to Ruler: Leadership Lessons Inspired by David

Book excerpt: David is one of the most perfect characters on which to do a study of leadership. We can learn a lot from David’s life. We can learn what to do and what not to do. I think both are important. No one is perfect and learning those tough lessons on someone else’s behalf is as important as learning the more positive ones. David was God’s anointed. He started as a shepherd and through God’s leadership, he became a ruler of a nation and a shepherd over His people. David did not set out to be Israel’s king. He did not set out to ‘be a leader.’ He was thrust into circumstances not of his making. He went through his own crucible time and time again. Through each experience he put more tools in his toolbox so to speak. Although not perfect by any measure, his zeal for God and faith in God became the standard that all future kings of Israel would be measured against. We can learn a lot from current and prior leaders, regardless of where we find them. Like the cook making a stew, you choose which ingredients and how much to use, and learn what works and what doesn’t work for you along the way as you perfect your recipe.