We can be grateful for the many who have made our success possible
By Dean Collins
Writing a book seems like a big accomplishment. I don’t know how many hundreds of books I’ve read over the years, but a few years ago I started paying attention to the acknowledgments section the author includes. Acknowledgments help us learn a little more about the author by giving at least a peek into the author’s circle of influence and support.
I’ve not yet published a book, but I do think about the acknowledgments quite a bit. As I write these daily devotionals, I often mention different experiences of my life, both the victories and the struggles. If I ever do write a book, I’m afraid the acknowledgments may be longer than the content of the book! I suspect you’ve had the same awakening. The people who surround us should get the credit for whatever of value we accomplished.
Surrounding David
Samuel took the majority of chapter 23 of 2 Samuel to make sure the mighty men who surrounded David were celebrated for the role they had in King David’s legacy. These men were critical not only to his success, but frankly, just to his survival. Leadership isn’t leadership unless there’s a followership. Followers are the real heroes. A good book on the topic is Creative Followership by my friend and retired president of Chick-fil-A, Jimmy Collins.
Samuel named 37 mighty men in chapter 23, but we know of the hundreds and thousands these men led as they served King David. My list of mighty helpers would be in the hundreds who have prayed for, invested in, supported, challenged, and at times corrected me. I am deeply indebted to and grateful for each of them. Some of you who read these devotionals are among those who help me follow Jesus better along with helping me with my current assignment of leading Point University. Thank you.
Bad decision
In one page turn in 2 Samuel we move from acknowledgments of the heroes to the pride of the king. Even as one of David’s mighty men questioned his decision, David pushed forward in conducting a census. Yes, it’s good business to know your data and your results, but this census seemed to be more about pride of accomplishment and self-adoration than good business practice.
David admitted as much as soon as he finished the census. He confessed his sin before the Lord, but there were serious consequences. Our decisions and our sins have consequences, too. Hopefully our decisions are rooted in the wisdom of God. But when we aren’t sensitive to God’s Word, his Spirit, and his will, we can quickly make prideful and self-seeking decisions. These choices have consequences not just for the us but, sadly, for those we follow. They can even impact future generations.
Divisive result
The apostle Paul, when addressing the Corinthians for their pride and allegiance to various leaders, also warned of the divisive results of pride. Paul’s approach and his recommendation is that we remember we are servants of Christ and stewards of his mysteries. This doesn’t mean we will understand all of the mysteries of God. However, when a leader focuses on Jesus and seeks stewardship of his Kingdom, God somehow uses our faithfulness to unlock his mysteries for others that they might see, understand, and even become transformed by the power of the gospel.
Both following Jesus and acknowledging those around you honor God and provide good guardrails against the temptation of over valuing our accomplishments and wealth. May we be found grateful and faithful with the responsibilities we have been granted.
Your time with God’s Word
2 Samuel 23:8-39; 24:1-4, 10-14; Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
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