As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?

I Samuel 20:8

David questioned Saul’s son, Jonathan, regarding the wrongs he committed against his father. He knew that he was innocent but was willing to ask the hard questions. Courageous leaders ask the hard questions. They are willing to right a wrong and to assume responsibility for their actions.

In other words, a leader must realize that the buck stops with him or her.

“In Courageous Leadership,” Bill Hybels explains that one of the principles of becoming an effective leader is self-leadership. He describes how leaders must have “checks and balances” in their development by asking, “Am I developing my gifts?” “Is my character submitted to Christ?” “Is my vision clear?” The one question that stood out to me as I read the list was, “Is my pride subdued?” David’s questions to Jonathan reflected an attitude of humility and self-examination. Courageous leaders must be willing to continually ask themselves and others under their leadership if they are on course, then assume the responsibility to adjust when they have veered.

Are you guilty of doing something that would not be pleasing to the Lord? Be willing to have Him examine your heart like David: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I am afraid to ask You to search my heart. I fear what You will find. Help me to surrender to Your loving search, knowing that You will lead me in the way everlasting.

In Jesus’ name, Amen