“He also chose David His servant And took him from the sheepfolds; From tending the ewes with nursing young He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart; And guided them with his skillful hands.” – Psalm 78:70-72 (AMP)

King David was the second king the nation, Israel, had and he was a man divinely chosen by God to lead His people, and somewhat, since kings replaced judges, his job description also encompassed some, if not all, of the things the judges were ordained to do. Saul was the first king but he failed God in that he disobeyed direct instructions from the Lord who had ordained him as king over his people and David was anointed to replace him.

Prophet Samuel was the last of the judges that Israel had before they demanded for a king. And this meant that one who would be their king must understand the responsibilities of the judge. Studying Prophet Samuel, you will discover that he judged and led Israel wholeheartedly and with integrity. Saul came into the picture but he derailed from this path. However, David walked the path of integrity, though he erred at a point but because his heart was right and he humbled himself, he was restored.

Every leader who doesn’t lead with the integrity of heart has stopped representing God. Daniel 5:21 says that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses and 2 Samuel 23:3 reiterates that he who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. This is the first part of God’s expectations over every leader of His people.

Representing God means that one whom God has chosen as a leader understands the just nature of God and shows the people that he leads who God is by how he leads. When a leader has replaced God instead of representing, how he leads doesn’t matter to him anymore. Whatever leadership position God has placed you, you must lead with integrity of heart. Don’t become god to the people and don’t distract their focus from God.

Dear believer, you don’t have to be a church leader before you know and understand that you are God’s representative even at your work place or in that organization where you serve as a volunteer. Do all that is committed into your hands with integrity and the fear of God. And even if you are your own boss having people you have employed to work with you, do not attempt to replace God in their hearts, never forget that you are a steward of God’s grace and resources.

Reflections: Am I a leader with integrity of heart? In my sphere of influence, do I allow the fear of God guide and guard me? Would God be happy to have ordained to lead in the capacity I am presently?

Confession: I am a steward of God’s race and resources and I live in ways that align with God’s grace upon me. I lead God’s people with integrity of heart. I do not mislead them.

Related Scripture: Psalm 78

Bible Reading: Genesis 17