Learning from Your Mistakes
King David had a great idea…let’s bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem to the place it rightfully belonged. So, he consulted with his leadership and they all agreed that this was a wonderful idea.
They got a new ox cart (this certainly would be God-honoring) to carry the ark and a great procession was planned to bring the ark to its new home. Things went well until the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark and God struck him dead. This tended to throw a cloud of gloom over the entire event and David decided to end this procession, being frustrated with God his failure to accomplish his plan (see 1 Chronicles 13).
Sometime later David is now well established as king in Jerusalem and he once again remembers that the ark of God is residing in a tent outside of Jerusalem. With this idea in mind, he again confers with his leaders, but note the difference. He acknowledges that previously that had forgotten to ‘inquire of the Lord’ as to their plans. This time they realize that the ark is to be carried only by the Levites and that it is to be carried with poles inserted along the sides. This time the procession goes to completion with great rejoicing (see 1 Chronicles 15).
David had learned from his previous mistake. He acknowledges that they did not consult the Lord on their prior attempt and they ended in failure. As leaders we all make mistakes, just like David. The key question is do we learn from them? Do we adjust and continue to move ahead? Do we own our mistakes?
How about you? Made any mistakes recently? Welcome to humanity! Now, what are you learning from them?
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 