Precedent Before Service

Many of us in the 21st century, we want things to be given to us. We want to be handed positions of authority. We want to be given jobs. We want to be treated like first class ticket holders. We have a entitlement mentality. Now there is nothing wrong with having expectations, but there if there is no reason for having an expectation, then why do we expect it? Moreover, why do we falsely believe that we will get what we deserve without having proven ourselves.

One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.”

(1 Samuel 16:18 ESV)

Before David ever killed Goliath and way before he became king, he developed a reputation. That reputation was based on precedents David set in his life in 6 areas. He was skillful in playing the lyre, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him. He had to set these precedents before he even got his foot through the palace doors.

I want to give you four ways you can gain the right reputation by setting precedents in your life so you can be qualified to serve as a leader based on this example from David.

1. Hone your skills in one area. David was known to be skillful in playing the lyre. That means he practiced it. Just like David practiced, we too must practice our trade, whatever that may be, whether it’s playing basketball or welding widgets or teaching or selling.
2. Have courage and be bold. A lot of people with talent don’t actually have the courage to take that next step and put themselves out there. We have to put ourselves out there and risk. God didn’t just create us to keep our talents a secret. We didn’t practice to play in hidden rooms. Take courage and be bold.
3. Build up others. When David was prudent in speech and had great presence, it was describing how David acted around others. When you build others, people want to have you around. When you speak life into people and aren’t pessimistic or a gossip, you build others. Build up others by being prudent in speech and by being present with people.
4. Pray. God’s presence becomes more apparent in your life as you spend more time with him. The best way to spend time with God is by praying. Have conversations with God regularly by praying throughout the day.

When you do these four things, you are setting precedents that allow others an opportunity to invite you into leadership.