Nathan Feared No One
2 Samuel 12:1–14
SECURITY PROVIDES the foundation for strong leadership. When we feel insecure, we drift from our mission whenever trouble arises. We must feel secure, or when people stop liking us; when funding drops; when morale dips; or when others reject or criticize us—we will crumble. If we do not feel secure, fear will eventually cause us to sabotage our leadership.
Imagine what might have happened had Nathan lacked security. Consider the odds stacked against him. He knew he had to confront David in his sin, yet David had covered up everything so well; no one else knew what had happened. That meant Nathan could expect no moral support. Further, the popular David had led Israel to prominence among the nations, and most Israelites would side with David if he put up a fight. Finally, from a technical viewpoint, David hadn’t done anything illegal to Uriah. He had set up the man to be killed in battle by the Ammonites, but it wasn’t his spear or sword that took Uriah’s life. Nathan had to feel utterly secure in his plan of attack, or it would backfire.
What enabled Nathan to demonstrate secure leadership?
1. Nathan had God’s truth behind him. He didn’t have to stand alone against David. 2. Nathan had a relationship with David. Their friendship created the bridge that allowed Nathan to do what God called him to do.
3. Nathan’s identity depended upon his divine call, not his popularity. Nathan determined to speak God’s truth regardless of the popular reaction.
4. Nathan understood his personal mission. He operated out of deep conviction.
5. Nathan was humble and broken. He had nothing to lose, for he had died to personal ambition.
Common Symptoms of Insecurity
The following symptoms usually indicate feelings of insecurity:
1. Comparison—We compare ourselves with others and keep score.
2. Compensation—We feel like a victim and must compensate for our losses.
3. Competition—We become self-consumed and try to outdo others for attention.
4. Compulsion—We feel driven to perform in order to gain others’ approval.
5. Condemnation—We judge others or ourselves, resulting in self-pity or conceit. 6. Control—We feel we must take charge, protect our interests, and manipulate.
Four Keys to Security To reduce personal insecurities, build the following four ingredients into your life:
1. Identity: Establish your identity in Christ, not in performance.
2. Brokenness: Allow God to break you of self-sufficiency and self-promotion.
3. Purpose: Discover and practice your God-given purpose in life, not someone else’s.
4. Give and receive the blessing: Learn to affirm others and receive affirmation.