EDUC 871 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Scriptural_Assessment_1_2024.pdf

SCRIPTURAL ASSESSMENT

Scriptural Assessment

Omar Morris

School of Education, Liberty University

SCRIPTURAL ASSESSMENT

Scriptural Assessment

Assessment

Leadership traits theorists have argued for generations that great leaders are born to lead

rather than being made to lead (Ghazal, S., & Riaz, S. 2020, p. 20). King David, throughout his

life, had demonstrated many leadership traits, six of which will be briefly discussed in this paper.

Like King David, most leaders are often overlooked because of their appearance (King James

Bible, 2017, 1 Samuel 17:33). David’s leadership traits; however, have been demonstrated in the

manner in which he took care of his sheep as a young person at the time, as through his

determination, he was able to protect his flock of sheep at all cost from wild beasts while in the

wilderness. Through honesty, David shared with King Saul, all he did to protect his sheep

whenever they were attacked by wild beasts as a shepherd boy (King James Bible, 2017, 1

Samuel 17:34 – 37).

When the Israelites came under attack by the Philistines, David’s clear vision allowed

him to see exactly how to triumph over them. He saw clearly that by himself, he was not strong

enough to conquer the Philistines; however, with God by his side, the possibilities were great

(King James Bible, 2017, 1 Samuel 17:37). With great competence, he successfully defeated the

Philistines by killing Goliath (King James Bible, 2017, 1 Samuel 17:50). Although his success

gave him great esteem, it also created enmity between himself and Saul (King James Bible, 2017,

1 Samuel 18:7 – 8). Amidst Saul’s many attempts to take David’s life, David was still able to

empathize with him by not killing him when he had the opportunity but speared his life (King

James Bible, 2017, 1 Samuel 24:6).

In a subsequent event, David had to motivate the spirit of his fellow-men after they

returned home, only to discover all they had were taken away by the Amalekites. These men

were so distraught by what the Amalekites did, that their spirits turned against David; however,

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David was able to motivate their spirits and channeled their focus to the real cause of their

dilemma (King James Bible, 2017, 1 Samuel 30:9).

Analysis

Although the book of 1 Samuel presented several leadership traits of King David, I chose

to use chapter 17, as this whole chapter expresses the first four leadership traits discussed in this

paper: determination, honesty, vision, and competence. These leadership traits, I believe embody

a true leader and were clearly expressed throughout the verses of the scripture (King James

Bible, 2017, 1 Samuel 17:33- 50). In my current role as team lead at my school, I make vision,

competence, and determination my main priorities. This is so, as having a clear vision at the

begging of each school year, gives me an idea of where I want my team to be at the end of the

year. Also, to accomplish the desired goals, I must first believe in the possibilities. Additionally,

amidst all the challenges that arise along the way, it is my determination that will get me to the

finish line.

Application

The given assignment provided me with the opportunity to explore and reflect on the

leadership traits of King David demonstrated throughout the scriptures. One particular leadership

trait that caught my attention, is vision. The Bible declares in the book of Proverbs, “Where there

is noCvision,CtheCpeopleCperish” (King James Bible, 2017, Proverbs 28:19). Having a clear vision

is a key part of my everyday life. I always know where I see myself at different intervals in my

life, whether it be two, five, or ten years’ time. In making my vision come to fruition, I create

action plans that provide step-by-step tasks I need to complete to achieve the end goal.

I believe there is still room for improvement where the overall vision at my school is

concerned. There may be some idea of the direction the powers that be want the school to go;

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however, the steps to take to get to the desired goal are often not followed. Additionally, the

school’s vision is not communicated to the extent it is fully understood by all that are affected by

it but with a clear well-communicated vision, goals can be achieved.

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References

Ghazal, S., & Riaz, S. (2020). Are we raising future leaders? Parenting styles and leadership

traits in adolescents.CJournal of Social Sciences & Humanities (1994-7046),!28(1), 18–

34.