The Leadership ChallengeSample
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Challenge 14
SAMUEL: LIVING A LIFE OF INTEGRITY
READ: 1 Samuel 7:3—12:25
The prophet Samuel becomes Israel’s last judge. After a lifetime of his leadership, the people of Israel make a decision that becomes a critical turning point in God’s redemptive story. They decide that they are done with judges. They want a king—like those of their surrounding neighbors. Samuel takes the request personally, but God reminds the prophet that it is not Samuel they are rejecting, but God himself. Samuel warns them of the consequences of having a human king, but the people will not listen, and God tells him to grant Israel what they desire. In Samuel’s farewell address, he asks the people to assess his years of service. All present affirm that he has not “defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand” (1 Samuel 12:4 ESV). It is a remarkable testimony to the honesty and integrity that permeated Samuel’s life.
Integrity is associated with truthfulness, wholeness, sincerity of heart and intention, and moral uprightness. It consistently heads the list when people are asked what they want from their leaders. What other positive and negative character traits do we see in Samuel from our reading? How do you guard your integrity? What would the people you lead say about your service?
About this Plan
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The Bible doesn’t discuss leadership like a popular business book. However, since God is the creator of everything that exists as well as the rules and processes by which everything works, the Scriptures do provide principles and examples that give us insight and wisdom into effective leadership. The social and cultural backgrounds of the Bible are different than ours, but the Scriptures contain truth that transcends time and space.
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