Leadership: Trusting God's Signs
As Christian men and leaders, we often seek a sign from God to confirm we're on the right path, that our priorities align with His will. Whether you're leading a family, a team, or a ministry, the desire to lead well under God's guidance is a good thing, nay a noble desire. Thankfully, God is not subtle in His desire to show us what He wants. His Word and works clearly reveal who He is and what He has done (Romans 1:20).
All of Scripture is a signpost directing us to Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s Word reveals His plan of redemption and calls us to live faithfully for Christ. Beyond Scripture, God uses people like John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus by preaching repentance and faith (Matthew 21:28-32). As Christian men, we’re called to follow the Baptist's example, pointing others to Christ through our words and actions.
The Bible shows us in 1 Samuel that we often get the leaders we desire. If we, as a collective “we the people” (1 Samuel 14:45), pursue God and seek righteous leaders, God can and will bless us with those who uphold His standards. However, if we tolerate evil, chase selfish ambition, or prioritize prideful displays, we can expect leaders who reflect those values (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Like Samuel, we must pray for all people in our nation, not just those who share our views or affiliations (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We must hold fast to God’s standards, teaching what is good and right. Be encouraged for God is on the move (I sense that in Virginia and I trust that worldwide).
King Saul’s story is a sobering reminder. He began with promise, blessed with 42 years of leadership and 72 years of life (1 Samuel 13:1). Yet, his disobedience, disloyalty, and self-glorification led to God’s mourning and regret over his kingship (1 Samuel 15:35). Saul built monuments to himself, abusing power for personal gain - an abomination to God (1 Samuel 15:12).
Here’s a trustworthy saying: God rejects those who reject Him through their actions (1 Samuel 15:23 and 2 Timothy 2:11-13). As men of God, we must turn from sin, align with His design, and prioritize His will. Haven’t been to church in a while? Go. Haven’t prayed? Start now. Change course and follow Jesus with unwavering loyalty.
God seeks men after His own heart, men like King David, who trusted God in adversity, or Jonathan, who acted with fearless faith (1 Samuel 14:6). Jonathan, an unsung hero, didn’t let poor leadership stop him from advancing God’s kingdom. We, too, must seize the opportunities God provides, stepping boldly into the tasks He sets before us, whether we’re called at “nine, noon, three, or five” (Matthew 20:1-16). God expects us to work diligently, trusting Him for the eternal reward (Revelation 22:12).
We see many examples of leaders who flaunt power and privilege. But God’s men are different. Jesus led “not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). We too must reject self-aggrandizement. We take on hard tasks, serve the hurting, and leading with humility. Think of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, courageously attacking at a steep pass (1 Samuel 14:8-14), or Jesus, who faced the cross for our sake. With Christ, the Alpha and Omega, we can achieve every objective God sets before us.
Throughout history, God has used signs to guide His people, compelling us to faith and courage. Jonathan trusted God’s sign in the battle at the cliff rocks (1 Samuel 14:10). May we too be able to discern God's signs. Samuel gave Saul clear signs to confirm his calling as king (1 Samuel 10:5-7). These signs weren’t for show but for action: confirmation to do God’s will.
We must be cautious not to abuse talk of signs, claiming “God told me such and such” without discernment. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and discipline us. When we humbly seek God’s guidance, not to test Him, but to trust Him, He provides the encouragement we need, sometimes boldly, sometimes subtly, always at the right time.
Jesus Himself gave the clearest sign of all: “The Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise” (Matthew 20:18-19). Jesus' death and resurrection are the ultimate confirmation of God’s love and power.
Men, God is faithful. God seeks men who trust Him, act courageously, and serve humbly. Even in the “belly of the beast,” keep fighting. When you see God’s hand or His sign, respond with obedience, love others, oppose evil, build up the Kingdom. Faith in Christ is the foundation of God’s family. Let’s pray for increased faith to move mountains, choosing well as we love and serve Jesus.
Lord Jesus, please increase our faith this week. Help us choose wisely, serve humbly, and follow Your signs. Guide us to lead with courage and loyalty to You. Amen.
Kari, Abe, Sam, and Rachel
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