Some of you may know what DWYSYWD means. It is used in James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner's book, The Leadership Challenge as a way of challenging leaders to demonstrate trust. It means “Do What You Said You Would Do” (The Leadership Challenge, third edition, p. 38). When we don't, we lose the trust of those following us. Trust is one of the most important leadership qualities to possess, the easiest to lose, and the most difficult to restore. This week's session will focus on actions David took in 2 Samuel 19:1-15 to begin restoring trust.
When King David lost Absalom but won the battle against Absalom's army, he had a lot of work to do in order to restore his own trust and unity to the nation of Israel. DWYSYWD should be our leadership motto when it comes to trust. Actually, this should be our motto as Christians, period! We should be people whom others can trust!
Here are some points and ideas that are included in the Additional Teaching Ideas:
2 Samuel 19:1-4
- What does the response of the soldiers reveal about their respect for David as a leader?
- Why would someone be loyal to a leader like David? What made him more trustworthy than Absalom?
- David publicly grieved even though Absalom had become his enemy. David exhibited his pain in front of his army.
- Would this take place today? Do leaders feel as if they have to hide their struggles and pain?
- Do church leaders (whether they be pastors or volunteers) feel as if they need to hide their pain? Why or why not?
- What would happen if church leaders were more open about the pain they might be experiencing? How could this help restore trust in a leader?
- How should those surrounding a leader respond when a leader expresses his/her feelings or vulnerabilities?
2 Samuel 19:5-7
- Is Joab’s advice good advice? Why or why not? Would a leader be perceived as weak if he had responded the way David did? Why or why not? Would you respect a leader more or less if he had acted the way David did?
2 Samuel 19:8
Explanation and Images related to where the king possibly sat and why. Consider using the following images.
- A gate complex and its pavement was discovered at Dan (Images above) near the northern border of Israel, which was built at the end of the tenth century B.C. Near the entrance to the gate itself was found an unusual structure, built of ashlars and originally having at its four corners small columns with decorated capitals or bases. The use of this structure could not be determined archaeologically, but it is possible that it served as a base for a throne. “The reference in 2 Samuel 19:8 surely must refer to some special structure where David sat and where the people could see him". – Expositor’s Commentary, 2 Samuel
- The king placed himself at the center of public and commercial life. As he sat there in silence, his troops “came into the king’s presence.” This action communicates trust that things are going to return to normal. While David’s loyal forces stood with their king, there were others who fled to their tents (v. 8).
2 Samuel 19:9-15
Consider using one the options included with the Supplemental Teaching Plan that utilizes either the Explore The Bible Personal Study Guide or the Explore The Bible Daily Discipleship Guide.
While some of us have positions of leadership, everyone is a leader, especially if you are a believer. Someone is watching you, respects you, or wants to learn from you. Demonstrating trust is vital so that you can be the leader in your home, your workplace (even though you might not be the boss), your church, and as a Christian.
All of us can overcome past failures, grief, and devastating circumstances and regain trust, but it is difficult. Just as David did, a wise person (Christian, leader) will recognize when it’s time to move forward and reestablish what once was lost.
There are additional ideas that could be incorporated into your session. You can download the complete plan below.
