We are never going to be perfect, as Christians. Sometimes, we can feel like the people around us expect us to be perfect. We are never going to be perfect, but we should strive to have the responsive humility of David when we do make mistakes.

 

We need true friends and advisors (see the leadership lesson on David and Jonathan). Both have value: Friends who will love us no matter what, and truth-speakers like Nathan, who will tell us what we need to hear in ways that we can hear it. This could be a creative and brutal rebuke like Nathan offers in this chapter, or maybe you would respond better to a more direct correction or even a softer touch. It’s important to coach those who help us lead so we can respond with grace and humility when we’re discipled. It’s important to invite correction, because in most cases people have a very hard time confronting leadership.

 

When we have the right people and have given them power and space to speak truth to our lives, then it’s up to us to respond with humility. This doesn’t mean that we have to do whatever we are told, but rather, that our leadership isn’t just between us and God. We take what we are shown by trusted and spiritual friends and advisors to God. It’s leadership in conversation with other leaders and with God.

 

When you do make a mistake or sin, what would help you to not put up walls? Have you talked to your crew about ways they can help you respond with humility?

 

When you do make a mistake or sin, and you’ve taken it to God and your trusted relationships, do you dwell on it or are you able to forgive as God, and your friends, surely have? David sets a great example of moving on and continuing to lead. The church for you doth wait!