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Today is my wife’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Jennifer! If you missed last year’s post, check it out here.
I learned the Golden Rules to a Happy Marriage (pictured above) early. When Jennifer speaks, I listen…much like the aforementioned E.F. Hutton commercials! Her advice and perspective have served me well in both life and leadership. If you subscribe to my weekly newsletter, you saw a few notes about our 18th anniversary on January 25th…along with this picture:
Samuel & The Law of E.F. Hutton
So, what is the John Maxwell Leadership Bible perspective? Maxwell focuses on the prophet Samuel because he had great credibility with others.
It started when Samuel was mentored by Eli. God spoke to Samuel during the night, then Samuel spoke for God to Eli (1 Samuel 3:11-18). Despite the harsh message God had for Eli, Samuel spoke the truth in love. This encounter began a long pattern for Samuel.
It wasn’t long before the Israelites sought out Samuel to speak words of direction for their future. His influence grew so vast that when King Saul failed in his leadership, Samuel removed him. Imagine, having the sole authority to kick out even the reigning king!
What can we learn from Samuel’s leadership? Out of This World Leaders are first servants of the Lord, then examples, then proclaimers and communicators to the people. And no one did this better than Samuel. He built relationships, demonstrated responsibility, proclaimed a revelation, and gave up his personal rights, as outlined below.
Relationships
The Bible loves to describe God’s leaders as shepherds (Psalm 23 & John 10:11). My friend Blaine McCormick does a nice job describing how leaders can learn from the 23rd Psalm in his book Shepherd Leadership (click here for a summary).
Samuel identified with people and used Shepherd imagery—both tough and tender—to show how to love, protect, and lead people. People listened because of his relationship with them.
Responsibility
Samuel was a steward for God, as he:
- Confronted kings and peasants;
- Wept over the disobedience of Israel; and
- Sought guidance for his nation.
He remained faithful to his calling, accountable to God, and responsible to people. That’s why they listened.
Revelation
Out of This World Leaders need a vision to communicate fresh direction to people. Samuel, like other Old Testament prophets, brought the word of God to bear on contemporary issues. He spoke with divine conviction about past lessons, present situations, and future direction. He moved from being a judge to becoming a prophet, speaking with skill as a visionary leader. People listened because of his revelation.
Rights
A biblically informed leader gives up his rights instead of gaining them when he reaches the top. Leaders sacrifice for the good of the people they lead. Samuel modeled this as he interceded for Israel, as he made sacrifices on the altar on their behalf, and as he wept for their welfare. Power did not motivate him, but service did. People listened because of his servant’s heart.
May these lessons from Samuel serve you well, as you shoot for the stars!