This past week I was listening to a teaching by Chip Ingram. In passing, Chip referenced a scripture from 2 Samuel. The verse is found in both 2 Samuel 11:1 and 1 Chronicles 20:1. “And it came to pass, …at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab.” This verse immediately precedes the account of Bathsheba and Uriah.

Have you ever considered that David’s history may have been so completely different if he would have simply gone to battle as the verse says, “at the time when kings go forth to battle”? Instead, David sent someone else to lead the battle, and then subsequently placed himself in an appalling situation.

Yes, leaders definitely need to delegate; however, leaders never delegate the responsibilities which they alone should carry out. Does a pastor delegate his shepherding? Does the surgeon delegate the surgery? Though there may be others who can accomplish the task, a true leader knows what is to be delegated and what is not to be delegated.

Realize that carelessly handling the tasks and responsibilities which you are to focus upon and personally undertake may cause unnecessary and unpleasant consequences.

As a leader, you know your tasks and responsibilities. So, step up and do what you have to do! Do what a leader’s got to do! It may appear easier to get someone else to take care of it, but learning to know the difference between what can and cannot be delegated will prevent you from unwanted outcomes.

Gary R. Linn