“Likewise all the men who had hidden…when they heard that the Philistines had fled, they also followed hard after them in the battle.” - 1 Samuel 14:22
In Scripture, I’ve always been impressed with the leadership abilities of Jonathan. The son of King Saul, Jonathan sensed early on that the kingdom would not be his, but would instead be given to David. Still, that did not negate the fact that he was a great leader. Never highly vocal, Jonathan was a man who refused the spotlight, but did lead the people of Israel through his actions.
It all started one simple day when Jonathan looked at his armor-bearer and wondered aloud at the victory God could give just the two of them. His logic was simple - two men plus God could defeat a Philistine garrison. He knew the strength of God was more than sufficient. So, with the support of his armor-bearer, Jonathan battled and defeated the Philistine garrison.
This, of course, led the people of Israel into a war against the Philistines, and they were incredibly victorious. In short, the initiation and action of Jonathan led many fearful and timid Israelite soldiers to pick up their weapons and fight like men.
I love this brand of leadership. I love watching men who quietly, unassumingly, and sometimes anonymously toil behind the scenes in order to victoriously lead the people of God. You might be a husband, a father, an employer, a soldier, an employee, a manager, a friend, or a student, and in each one of those roles God gives you an opportunity to lead by your actions. When you take those steps of faith people of God around you will be motivated to do as you have just done.
The world is a scary place. Therefore, the world will naturally be filled with timid Christians. Those of you who boldly lead will set a great example for those who are struggling in their timidity. Your holy boldness will lead them to exert themselves and do the things they know to be right. Just as Jonathan would not allow compromise to settle in, the godly leader will encourage others to keep from that life of compromise. He will do what is right, trusting God, and in so doing will motivate the faith of others.
I encourage you. Motivate the faith of others by leading the charge, believing God, and doing what is right. As iron sharpen iron, so will your actions sharpen the lives of the friends, family, and people around you!
