A Leader Must Lead

“And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.” (1Ch 15:27 AV)

It is often misunderstood that David danced before the LORD half naked.  Because of Michal, his wife’s, statement, it is often believed that David was immodest.  She states he uncovered himself.  Yet, this passage clearly teaches us he wore a full-length robe as well as an ephod.  What David did do was to remove his regal attire for the attire of the priests and singers that went before the ark.  He uncovered himself of the kingly robes and choose to wear a more common linen robe and ephod.  What bothered his wife was his common appearance and behavior before the people.  Michal, being a daughter of a king, knew how a king should act.  It wasn’t in a dressed down manner jumping and leaping like some circus act.  The scriptures further tell us David’s motive was to please the people.  Again, in the eyes of Michal, that really wasn’t the proper place of the king.

We really do not know who was in the right.  Directly, anyway.  The people may have appreciated their king acting as they were, but there were those of the royal household that didn’t appreciate it.  If David had behaved himself more regal, the people would have respected him and his household would have been pleased.  The better part of valor should have led David to present himself as a king and not as a dancer.  There are times and boundaries when the leader should condescend to men of low estate.  There are other times when this is not such a good idea.

It is becoming more and more the practice that men of God are condescending beyond those boundaries and are losing the spiritual authority granted to them by the word of God.  Years ago, when one of my sons was born, I met my wife’s doctor as he was leaving and I was coming.  I addressed him by his first name and he promptly corrected me by saying, “It is Doctor So-and-so.”  Today, it is becoming more the practice by calling your pastor by his first name without the acknowledgement of his office.  Pastors prefer this because it pleases the people.  Not a good idea.  By doing so, we reduce our credibility to guide, lead, and advise.  There are times to put one’s office aside.  There are other times asserting one’s office is the right thing to do.  Wisdom to know when to do this is much needed in today’s churches!