LEADER LOOKS

Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him and behind him; so he selected some of the best troops in Israel and deployed them against the Arameans. He put the rest of the men under the command of Abishai his brother and deployed them against the Ammonites. Joab said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

2 Samuel 10:9-12

In the heat of battle, it is crucial that a leader looks in two different directions. The first look is out in front. “Joab saw” what was in front of him and the fighting men that he was responsible for deploying. Seeing led to selecting the men right for the job. The second direction he looked in was behind him. This look led to a clear call to action, inspiring men to see the big picture of fighting for their people and the cities of God.

As men, It is easy to get caught looking in the wrong direction. Only looking ahead will cause missed opportunities to inspire those around you. Focusing solely on those you lead will prevent you from taking a clear course. And don’t forget there are plenty of distractions that can rob you of any opportunities to be effective. The key is to be balanced, which requires a disciplined mind and resolute determination. Be like Joab and look in the most critical directions when leading self and others.

DO THIS TODAY: Practice looking in the right directions.

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