Wise leaders use long-term vision to prevent mistakes in short-term decisions. Read Psalm 37.

Israel’s second king, David, had some roller-coaster moments in his life. He was anointed king by Samuel at age 15 but spent the next 15 years with trouble in one form or another perpetrated by Saul, the king in power. Saul sent ruthless men to kill him and even personally tried several times to kill David. When David became king there were times when his own generals, leaders in his army, rebelled against his leadership and even members of his own family let their evil side try to harm their own father. David had numerous life challenges but he did not allow them to drive his long-term decision making.

Every leader will serve as an example to those in their sphere of influence. Review 1 Samuel 1-8 and focus on 4:1 and 3:19-20.

Samuel’s influence just kept growing. Samuel, under God’s leadership and with His authority, had the authority to anoint two kings and remove one from power. Samuel’s example to the people was that he exhorted, he affirmed, he corrected, he prophesied, he reminded and he taught. His life-long example had such tremendous impact that when he died all Israel gathered to mourn his loss (25:1).

The issue of impartial leadership is critical for effective leadership. It is natural to want family or good friends in our leadership world but there are some potential problems leaders should take into consideration. Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 22-36.

In The Maxwell Leadership Bible, John Maxwell writes about Eli’s Leadership: Success as a Priest, Not as a Parent.

First Timothy 3:4-5 has this to say about leaders: “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect, (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25 and 1Timothy 3.

Eli was a successful priest and judge in Israel, yet he failed to discipline his own sons. As a result, they grew increasingly rebellious and contemptuous concerning the things of God. Eli’s failure in this area led not only to a loss of credibility, but ultimately to his own downfall.

Leaders are ultimately responsible for what happens within their organization. It is not enough to understand and be good at the work of an organization; if a person is to lead, they must also understand leadership. Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25 and 3:11-14.

Eli served as both priest and judge in Israel. As judge Eli dispensed justice between opposing parties. As priest he oversaw and entire nation’s relationship with God. Eli had tremendous influence. People depended on him for their social, political and religious well-being. And every sign (almost every sign) in the Biblical narrative indicates that Eli took his job seriously.