3 ways youngs leaders must leverage their growing influence

Rick Duncan

As a young influencer, King David, ancient Israel's leader, experienced much success. In the first days of his rule as a 30 something year old, David led Israel to victories over their long-standing enemies, Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and the Amalekites. "The enemies brought tribute to David and served him... And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" (2 Samuel 8:12b, 14b). The victories gave David more resources than he had ever had. The man who was once a teenage shepherd tending his daddy's sheep was now blessed with influence beyond his wildest dreams. Wealth was now at his disposal. What would he choose to do with all these resources? Young leaders must never forget that leadership success is a test. God wants to know what the young leader will do with his or her growing influence. Never forget that influence is a trust and influence is a test. From David's life, we can learn 3 ways a young leader should use newly acquired resources and influence.

 

1. Provide for the worship of God. Neighboring kings brought tribute to David. "Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze.These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued" (2 Samuel 8:11). Godly young leaders must lead the organization to invest in Kingdom of God issues. How can you lead your organization to dedicate resources to build the kingdom of God?

 

2. Pursue justice for your people. "David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people" (2 Samuel 8:15). Poor previous leadership and enemy invasions had meant that the people suffered injustice. David didn't think about himself first. He set into place policies and practices that brought equity to his people. How can you lead your organization to institute policies and practices to take care of the marginalized?

 

3. Pick a person or a project and personally invest heavily there. David didn't forget his friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son. He found someone in need from Jonathan's family to bless. "And the king said, 'Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?' Ziba said to the king, 'There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet'" (2 Samuel 9:3). David brought this crippled son into his own house and family and provided for him the rest of his days. This story of David's kindness in particular solidified the people in their admiration and trust of his leadership. How will you personally show a particular kindness that will inspire and encourage your people? Young leaders must remember their success must be leveraged for others. You've been blessed to be a blessing. How will you bless others? Start today!