Do your actions display generosity and gratitude? (92-4)
Yesterday we looked at David as a servant leader based on his actions toward Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson and David’s friend Jonathan’s son. Before leaving this part of David’s life, there are two more elements of leadership that should be addressed: generosity and gratitude. Review 2 Samuel 9.
Long after his friend Jonathan’s death, David returned a favor to his friend through a kindness to his son Mephibosheth. David restored Saul’s land to Mephibosheth and ordered Saul’s former servants to cultivate the land and provide an income for Mephibosheth. David also provided Mephibosheth a place in his court and invited him to eat at his table with his own sons. David’s gratitude for Jonathan’s friendship cultivated generosity toward his friend’s son.
Gratitude and generosity are attitudes. Attitudes become actions that demonstrate a leader’s core truths. The absence of gratitude and generosity demonstrates a core value of self before others and personal gain before kindness.
To evaluate your core truths concerning selfishness as compared to other-centeredness look at your actions concerning gratitude and generosity. If your evaluation indicates you tend not to be grateful and generous, seek counsel of another leader you consider to be thankful and generous and ask for their help mentoring you in these areas. Ask them to hold you accountable in these areas.
Effective godly leaders seek to be leaders that are grateful to God and others and have a generous spirit.
Tags: Core Values
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Comments (2)
Gratitude and generousity go hand in hand and need to be illustrated through the lives of those who are going to implement it . If just presented as fact, it could fall by the wayside . It needs to be “caught” by the ones who need to put it into practice so that it becomes prevelant in every day life. Then many others will take note and see that it is a good way to live. Christ will be seen in those who practice this. And who knows, opportunity may arise to lead someone to Christ because of it.
Another thing to consider while reading this is how closely knit gratitude and generosity are to each other. They’re part and parsel. If one is lacking, the other probably will be too. However, on the other hand, when one is increasing, the other will too.
When I was reading this I was thinking about the trouble I have with my offerings sometimes. I would consider that a problem with generosity, but really– it’s a problem with my gratitude too. How many times has God provided for me? Why don’t I trust Him now? I am lacking in gratitude and generosity.
This message resonated with me, and I hope it blessed you too.