1 Samuel 18:28-30 
When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and how much his daughter Michal loved him, Saul became even more afraid of him, and he remained David’s enemy for the rest of his life. 
Every time the commanders of the Philistines attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul’s officers. So David’s name became very famous. (NLT)

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Someone is smarter, better, faster than you. If you are in a position of leadership, there may be someone below you in the organizational chart who is smarter, better, faster than you. There may be someone in your own home smarter, better, faster than you. 

King Saul knew David was smarter, better, faster than him. He was jealous of David’s abilities. He envied the attention David received. Saul’s heart was already moving in the wrong direction. His attitude toward David sent him over the edge. 

One of the saddest lines in the annals of leadership is found in verse 29:

Saul became even more afraid of him, and he remained David’s enemy for the rest of his life.

Wise leaders gather around them men and women who are smarter, better, faster than themselves. They cultivate, equip, and empower these leaders. Rather than fearing their success, they work for it. They put them in positions to succeed. They help them plan, execute, and evaluate. They champion those who will do more and do better than themselves.

Wise leaders understand their best fruit grows on other people’s trees. 

My wife, son, and daughters are most definitely smarter, better, faster than me in important ways. This makes me a better husband, father, and minister. My coworkers surpass me with their intelligence, insight, responsibility, and tenacity. They make me look better than I am. 

Those closest to us, we have heard, determine the level of our success. Who would not want smarter, better, faster family members, friends, and coworkers around them? Rather than becoming threats to us, instead we all succeed together. Teamwork makes the dream work. 

Later, we will read about King David’s Mighty Men and his team of advisors. David recruited smarter, better, faster leaders than himself. The contrasting outcomes of Kings Saul and David declare so much regarding how leadership failure becomes inevitable and how leadership success is achieved. 

King Saul looked for enemies to defeat even within his closest associates and family. 

David looked for friends whose loyalty would propel them toward successful outcomes, mutual respect, and faithful trust. 

Live and lead like David Before He Was King. This is the pathway toward fruitful and effective living and leadership. 

Live and lead like King Saul and you will lose your soul and your influence. You will build a legacy of failure.

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I will live and lead like David Before He Was King.

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Our Father, surround me with people who are smarter, better, faster than me. Empower me to empower them. Make me a wise champion on their behalf. Give us wisdom in knowing how to join our strengths to accomplish more than any one of us could do alone. Thank you for freeing me from the thought that I have to have all the good ideas, to say all the right things, and to do all that gets done. Amen.