By Michael Yong

“The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart…” (1 Samuel 13:14)

“…he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David…a man after my own heart, who will do my will.” (Acts 13:22)

Few kings of Israel measured up to David. Of the 40 kings, only three could: Asa, Hezekiah, and Josiah (1 Kings 15:11, 2 Kings 18:3 and 22:2 respectively). Five others had mixed reports; they did right but not like David (2 Kings 14:3). The rest had the dubious distinction of being like Jeroboam, the first king of the torn-away kingdom who plunged the people into idolatry. To be leaders who pleased God was not easy.

God said of David that he was “…a man after my own heart.” That is, he was a man of faith, surely. For he believed God, knocking out the giant Goliath. A man who admitted his sins when confronted with his adultery and murder. For he repented before the Lord, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). A man who loved and worshipped God. Many of his psalms reflected his love and worship.

Israel’s leaders played a big part in leading the nation either to faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God. When kings turned against God in idolatry, the people usually followed. Likewise, when kings loved God, the people reflected devotion. Clearly, leaders matter.

And they still do today. Their love for Christ, their standing in the community, and their diligence in God’s service can be exemplary for those they lead and those they minister to. Apostle Paul spoke of these matters in 1 Timothy 3 when selecting leaders for the church.

As SYFC prepares for the years ahead, Christ-centered leadership is crucial for the mission of youth evangelism in Singapore and beyond. This REACH highlights the need to build leaders who last. Leaders rooted in Christ. Leaders who live out Scriptures. Leaders attuned to their times. In the words of our motto, they are Geared To The Times, Anchored To The Rock!