How can we identify and nurture leadership skills in others, like Solomon did? Spotting God-Given Potential • 1 Kings 11:28 presents the pattern: “Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor, and Solomon, seeing that the young man was industrious, put him in charge of all the labor of the house of Joseph.” • Solomon noticed two things—courage (“mighty man of valor”) and diligence (“industrious”). Those qualities still mark emerging leaders. • Proverbs 22:29 backs this up: “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings.” Skill that is consistently applied catches godly attention. • Practical tip: watch for humble, hardworking believers who take initiative without being asked. That’s often the Holy Spirit’s highlighter. Looking for Character Before Charisma • 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” • Acts 6:3 adds three filters for potential leaders: “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.” • Courage and competence matter, yet they must rest on proven integrity, Spirit-filled living, and sound judgment. Confirming Through Faithfulness in Small Things • Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” • Watch how someone handles small assignments—showing up on time, following through, serving joyfully. These everyday tests reveal whether greater responsibility will bless or burden them. Creating Space to Lead • Solomon “put him in charge.” Jeroboam didn’t grow by theory; he grew by actually overseeing labor crews. • Exodus 18:21 offers a similar model: appoint leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, tens—graduated responsibility that stretches ability without snapping it. • Give real authority tied to real accountability, then stay close enough to coach. Mentoring and Instruction • Numbers 27:18-23 shows Moses laying hands on Joshua—public affirmation plus private investment. • 2 Timothy 2:2 lays out a four-generation vision: Paul → Timothy → faithful men → others. Intentional, relational instruction multiplies capable leaders. • Set regular check-ins, share wisdom from Scripture, and let them ask candid questions. Delegating Authority with Accountability • Solomon didn’t merely praise Jeroboam; he delegated a defined sphere—“all the labor of the house of Joseph.” • Clear expectations, measurable goals, and scheduled reviews keep stewardship healthy (cf. Matthew 25:20-23). • Correction, when needed, is offered with grace and truth—tethered to Scripture (Galatians 6:1). Cultivating a Culture of Encouragement • Hebrews 10:24 calls us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Public affirmation (as Solomon showed) motivates others to step up. • Simple habits—thank-you notes, testimonies in gatherings, celebrating milestones—signal that leadership development is everyone’s joy, not merely a program. Keeping Our Eyes on the Ultimate Leader • All earthly leadership flows from and should point to Christ, “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25). • As we identify and nurture leaders, we echo His pattern: seeing fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots—then shaping them into apostles who turned the world upside down (Acts 4:13). Spot, invest, release, repeat—and watch the Lord raise up Jeroboams in our midst who will serve His purposes for their generation. |
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