Whenever you hear someone say, “singing the same old song,” it is usually not in a good context. This short piece of prose implies that a person is following a pattern of unhealthy repetition. So, let me ask you “Are you singing the same old song?” Have you developed a pattern of repetition that is unhealthy for yourself and those to whom you minister?

In order to more fully grasp today’s leadership insight, let’s develop an example. Maybe you are a pastor who has ministered at different churches over the past years. You have experienced very similar situations arising while ministering in the different churches. Yet, to respond to a situation in the same way at the second church as you did to the situation at the first church is simply following repetition. There is a better way to respond which is beautifully illustrated through the life of David, the man after God’s own heart.

In 2 Samuel 5:17-25, we read that the Philistines came in full force against David. What was David’s response? Scripture tells us that “David inquired of the Lord.” God answered David and gave him victory over the Philistines. Immediately after the victory, the next verse tells us that the Philistines once more came against David. Let’s pause here for a moment and consider the action many leaders would take at this point.

Many leaders would simply respond with the same action or the same plan that just gave them victory in the immediately preceding situation. Many would repeat what they had just done. They would approach this new situation with the “same old song.” But what did David do? David inquired of the Lord again.

Throughout the books of Samuel and Chronicles you will find the phrase, “David inquired of the Lord.” As a good leader, David approached each situation by first approaching God. And that is what you and I must do as well.

Every challenge, every situation, every local body of believers, every sermon, and every leader is different. It is a wise person who seeks advice and follows the godly examples of other leaders. Moreover, it is a wiser person who “inquires of the Lord” for each situation. Therefore, let’s guard against unhealthy repetition.

Gary R. Linn