2 Samuel 3:36-39
And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people. So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner the son of Ner. And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The Lord repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!”
Tag: Leadership Must Stand For Principle
Sometimes, in the midst of a organizational, community or countries issue, the leadership has to demonstrate, overtly, their concern and interest in the issue. David was genuinely insulted that Joab had killed Abner. Abner had killed Joab's brother (although his brother was pursuing Abner and tried to kill him) and Joab was exacting revenge. However, David didn't want his kingdom to be built on the revenge factor. David wanted to show mercy and grace. He had done so to Saul in his life and he wanted to continue that with those who served Saul. Later David would show mercy to Saul's remaining heir, Jonathon's son. But, Joab had shamed the kingdom of David and David went to extreme lengths to show his love and loyalty for Abner and Saul's kingdom and his disdain for Joab. As a leader you have to sometimes stand up for what is right not simply stand up for your "party". If this would have been today's political climate talking heads would be telling us how Joab "had" to kill Abner. They would say it was his only choice. They would stand up for their party. But, in David's day it was about standing for what is right: Mercy and grace. If you are going to be a leader in your home, community or business you will someday have to choose to be loyal to people or to principle. Like David, choose principle. In today’s culture, leaders stand for party, for profit and for power. David is giving us a great picture of leadership that stands for principle. If you want to stand tall in a slouching world, you have to stand up for principle and allow others to see that you are not lie those around you.
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