King David and John Maxwell

Written by Jay Goff

A few days ago, Katrina and I were watching a new series called "House of David." It's the biblical accounts of the young shepherd boy who becomes the king of Israel and in the lineage that eventually begat Jesus Christ. Afterward, I was curious to understand more and opened my Bible to 1 Samuel 17:24-40 in search of life and leadership lessons based on the story of King David that I could learn, implement, and share. But I also wanted to find out how the Bible and John Maxwell's book, "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" might correlate, especially since I'm a fan and follower of them both. There are far more lessons to be learned from the life and leadership of David, but I'll just focus on his battle with the Phillistine giant known as Goliath:

1. Bravery in the Midst of Challenges: David exhibited remarkable courage when he stepped forward to confront Goliath, despite the doubts of those around him (1 Samuel 17:32-33). This principle illustrates that true leaders must confront adversity head-on. As Joshua 1:9 states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Maxwell's Law of the Lid posits that a leader's effectiveness is capped by their own ability to face challenges; thus, developing courage raises the leadership lid for themselves and their team.
2. Confidence in Personal Skills: David’s self-assurance in his abilities, rooted in his experience as a shepherd, was crucial as he prepared to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37). This emphasizes the significance of self-belief. Proverbs 3:26 reminds us, “for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” A leader who believes in their own capabilities can inspire their team to do the same, effectively raising the leadership lid.
3. Navigating Skepticism and Criticism: David faced skepticism from King Saul and others who doubted his readiness (1 Samuel 17:33). This highlights the necessity of persistence in leadership. Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” Maxwell states that leaders must remain resilient amidst criticism, as their ability to navigate doubt directly influences their effectiveness.
4. Embracing Authenticity: David chose to rely on his slingshot instead of Saul’s armor, which he found cumbersome and ill-fitting (1 Samuel 17:38-40). This choice illustrates the importance of authenticity in leadership. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded to use our unique gifts to serve others, reinforcing that leaders should embrace their individuality. When leaders act authentically, they elevate their leadership lid by fostering trust and genuine connections with their team.
5. Importance of Preparation and Experience: David's past encounters with wild animals prepared him for this decisive moment (1 Samuel 17:34-36). This teaches us the value of preparation in leadership. Proverbs 21:31 states, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” Prepared leaders raise their effectiveness by being ready to seize opportunities when they arise.
6. Vision and Purpose: David fought not for personal glory but to protect his people and honor God (1 Samuel 17:45-47). A clear vision drives effective leadership. Philippians 3:14 echoes this sentiment: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Leaders with a strong sense of purpose can elevate their leadership lid, inspiring their teams to strive toward a common goal.
7. Value of Teamwork and Support: While David ultimately faced Goliath alone, he stood as a representative of his people (1 Samuel 17:45). This reflects the significance of teamwork and community support. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Effective leaders recognize that fostering teamwork raises the overall effectiveness of the group. I like what Maxwell asserts, "One is too small a number to achieve greatness." 
8. Faith and Resilience: David’s faith in God fortified him as he approached Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). This principle underscores the importance of faith and resilience in leadership. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” A leader’s faith can empower them to overcome significant challenges, raising their leadership lid and inspiring confidence in their team. Have you ever had a moment when you lost your faith as a leader?  I think we all have a time or two. But resilience and a reminder of who we are, whose we are, and who we represent can bring it all back together again.  

Incorporating the Law of the Lid from John's book, we see that the effectiveness of a leader is limited by our own capabilities and qualities. By embracing these principles, supported by scripture, we as leaders and influencers can elevate our leadership lid, enhancing both our own effectiveness and that of our team as they navigate obstacles and inspire others on their journey.

On an added note: I'd like to invite you to take some time to study the journey of David through the Bible and get a copy of John Maxwell's book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Both of these books have helped to really mold my leadership abilities in the military, men's ministry, and with my family. 

Happy Leading,

Coach Jay