Although leaders lead people, we often find ourselves isolated from those we want to influence. Rather than inviting people to come near, we opt for running programs, overseeing processes, and managing budgets. And in the end, our people appreciate our efficiency and even our faithfulness, but they are impacted very little by our efforts.
Israel’s second king, David, was no perfect leader, but it seems that his influence grew with the multitudes because of the way he deeply impacted those who were closest to him. He consistently invited people in so he could invest in people.
As we review 2 Samuel 23, we get an inside look on how to invite others to come near.
Invite the best people to come near.
High-level leaders intimidated Saul and his insecurities destroyed him. But David surrounded himself with winners; and their skill sustained him and the strengthened the kingdom. When we invite the best people to come around us, everyone wins.
Invite truth-tellers to come near.
David created a safe environment for those near him to point out blind spots and tell him the hard truths. We need people who will be honest with us about the realities around us, the difficulties ahead of us, and the limitations within us.
Invite only a few to come near.
David did not treat everyone the same. He invited only 3 men into his inner circle. It reminds us of Jesus who had 12 disciples, but invested in Peter, James, and John at a deeper level than the rest. We would do well to be selective, even exclusive, about the people we invest in most deeply.
Invite proven people to come near.
Very often we look for potential rather than proof. But David recounted how these select men performed under pressure. Then he invited them to greater responsibility. So we only invite people to come closer when they have been faithful and effective at a distance.
Invite passionate people to come near.
David assembled a group of men who were as passionate about the mission as he was. They believed in what God was doing and they believed in David. The result was that when David was struggling they were strong. When he was unclear, they were confident. Every leader faces uncertainty and we can even lose courage, but when passionate people surround us, the mission moves forward.
David experienced success and setbacks, but he discovered the value of investing deeply in just a few other leaders. He resisted the lure of isolation and invited key people to come near. He gave them access. He was vulnerable. And he trusted them and believed in them.
So who are your 3? Who are you mighty men? Who have you invited to come near? John Maxwell says that leadership is influence. That’s true, and influence is determined by the invitations we extend to others to come near. And ultimately the Gospel spreads farther when we invest deeply in the Jesus followers who are closest to us.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Please click the “Comment” button below.
Thanks for the simple layout. Good insights.