Lead for Glory and Good
Seeking God’s Glory and the Good of Others
Life is filled with moments of clarity—those rare instances where the noise fades, and we catch a glimpse of what truly matters. Often, these moments come at the end, in the final words of someone who has lived a life of meaning. Last words are powerful. They reveal what a person holds most dear. Think of Julius Caesar’s “Et tu, Brute?” or Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve been to the mountaintop.” These words give us a window into the soul, a final imprint of a life’s purpose.
But sometimes, clarity comes not in words, but in a life lived. That’s what we see in both the final words of King David in 2 Samuel 23 and in the life of a friend and pastor, Dustin Salter.
The Legacy of a Friend
Eighteen years ago, Dustin—a campus pastor and a husband and father of three—died tragically following a bike accident. Just days before, Dustin had preached what turned out to be his first and final sermon at our church. His message was on God’s providence: the invisible hand of God guiding all things for His glory and our good. Little did we know how profoundly his words would echo in the weeks and months that followed as his family, students, and our church grieved.
Dustin’s life and final words reminded us of something King David’s last words also make clear: a servant leader lives for God’s glory and the good of others.
David’s Final Song
In 2 Samuel 23:1–7, David reflects on his life. He acknowledges that everything he is and has accomplished is because of God’s grace. His words remind us of two vital principles of servant leadership:
1.Seek God’s Glory.
2.Seek the Good of Others.
1. Seeking God’s Glory
David begins by identifying himself: “The son of Jesse.” In other words, a nobody. He was the youngest son in a family of shepherds from nowhere special. Yet, he was “raised on high” by God’s hand. David glorifies God not only in his humble beginnings but also in his successes, recognizing that all he achieved was by God’s covenant and providence.
David’s worshipful heart defined him. He was “the sweet psalmist of Israel,” a man whose identity was rooted in glorifying God. His life was a testament to what it means to let God’s word saturate your heart so deeply that it overflows into everything you say and do.
For us, this begs a question: Whose glory are we seeking? Whether at work, in our families, or even in ministry, are we pointing to God’s greatness or trying to build our own name?
Here’s a challenging thought: frustration can be a “glory barometer.” When we’re frustrated—whether at work, with family, or in ministry—it’s often because we’re seeking our own glory. But what if we shifted the focus? What if we said, “Lord, this is for You. Even if no one else sees or acknowledges it, You see it, and that’s enough”?
2. Seeking the Good of Others
David’s final song also paints two contrasting images: a field of flourishing grass and a field choked by thorns. These images illustrate two kinds of leadership: one that nurtures growth and one that harms others.
In verses 3–4, David describes a leader who rules justly and in the fear of God. This leader is like the sun shining on grass, creating an environment where others can thrive. True servant leadership asks, “What will lead to the flourishing of others?” It seeks justice and righteousness for those under its care.
But verses 6–7 warn of another kind of leader—those like thorns, who harm and exploit others. David, as king, had the responsibility to root out such harmful influences. While we may not wield political power, we are called to stand against evil where we see it, to advocate for justice, and to use our influence to uplift the marginalized.
A Call to Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is about laying down self-glory and self-interest to glorify God and serve others. It’s about making decisions that reflect God’s justice and love. This isn’t just for pastors or ministry leaders. It’s for all of us—in our workplaces, families, neighborhoods, and communities.
Look around your life. Who needs your encouragement, advocacy, or support? How can your actions bring renewal, justice, or flourishing to someone else?
The Ultimate Servant Leader
Ultimately, David’s words and life point us to the greatest servant leader, Jesus Christ. Jesus glorified the Father in everything He did, from His life to His death on the cross. And He sought the good of others, saying, “I came not to be served but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus is not only our example but our source of strength. When we feel incapable of living selflessly or seeking God’s glory, He reminds us that He has already done it for us. By His Spirit, He empowers us to live lives that glorify God and serve others.
Living the Legacy
As Dustin’s final sermon reminded us, there is a God who is infinite and personal, who directs all things for His glory and our good. May we live with that same clarity and purpose, seeking God’s glory and the good of others in everything we do. For in Christ, we are not only called to servant leadership—we are empowered for it.
Let’s live as people who point to Him in both our identity and our actions. To God be the glory.
Life is filled with moments of clarity—those rare instances where the noise fades, and we catch a glimpse of what truly matters. Often, these moments come at the end, in the final words of someone who has lived a life of meaning. Last words are powerful. They reveal what a person holds most dear. Think of Julius Caesar’s “Et tu, Brute?” or Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve been to the mountaintop.” These words give us a window into the soul, a final imprint of a life’s purpose.
But sometimes, clarity comes not in words, but in a life lived. That’s what we see in both the final words of King David in 2 Samuel 23 and in the life of a friend and pastor, Dustin Salter.
The Legacy of a Friend
Eighteen years ago, Dustin—a campus pastor and a husband and father of three—died tragically following a bike accident. Just days before, Dustin had preached what turned out to be his first and final sermon at our church. His message was on God’s providence: the invisible hand of God guiding all things for His glory and our good. Little did we know how profoundly his words would echo in the weeks and months that followed as his family, students, and our church grieved.
Dustin’s life and final words reminded us of something King David’s last words also make clear: a servant leader lives for God’s glory and the good of others.
David’s Final Song
In 2 Samuel 23:1–7, David reflects on his life. He acknowledges that everything he is and has accomplished is because of God’s grace. His words remind us of two vital principles of servant leadership:
1.Seek God’s Glory.
2.Seek the Good of Others.
1. Seeking God’s Glory
David begins by identifying himself: “The son of Jesse.” In other words, a nobody. He was the youngest son in a family of shepherds from nowhere special. Yet, he was “raised on high” by God’s hand. David glorifies God not only in his humble beginnings but also in his successes, recognizing that all he achieved was by God’s covenant and providence.
David’s worshipful heart defined him. He was “the sweet psalmist of Israel,” a man whose identity was rooted in glorifying God. His life was a testament to what it means to let God’s word saturate your heart so deeply that it overflows into everything you say and do.
For us, this begs a question: Whose glory are we seeking? Whether at work, in our families, or even in ministry, are we pointing to God’s greatness or trying to build our own name?
Here’s a challenging thought: frustration can be a “glory barometer.” When we’re frustrated—whether at work, with family, or in ministry—it’s often because we’re seeking our own glory. But what if we shifted the focus? What if we said, “Lord, this is for You. Even if no one else sees or acknowledges it, You see it, and that’s enough”?
2. Seeking the Good of Others
David’s final song also paints two contrasting images: a field of flourishing grass and a field choked by thorns. These images illustrate two kinds of leadership: one that nurtures growth and one that harms others.
In verses 3–4, David describes a leader who rules justly and in the fear of God. This leader is like the sun shining on grass, creating an environment where others can thrive. True servant leadership asks, “What will lead to the flourishing of others?” It seeks justice and righteousness for those under its care.
But verses 6–7 warn of another kind of leader—those like thorns, who harm and exploit others. David, as king, had the responsibility to root out such harmful influences. While we may not wield political power, we are called to stand against evil where we see it, to advocate for justice, and to use our influence to uplift the marginalized.
A Call to Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is about laying down self-glory and self-interest to glorify God and serve others. It’s about making decisions that reflect God’s justice and love. This isn’t just for pastors or ministry leaders. It’s for all of us—in our workplaces, families, neighborhoods, and communities.
Look around your life. Who needs your encouragement, advocacy, or support? How can your actions bring renewal, justice, or flourishing to someone else?
The Ultimate Servant Leader
Ultimately, David’s words and life point us to the greatest servant leader, Jesus Christ. Jesus glorified the Father in everything He did, from His life to His death on the cross. And He sought the good of others, saying, “I came not to be served but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus is not only our example but our source of strength. When we feel incapable of living selflessly or seeking God’s glory, He reminds us that He has already done it for us. By His Spirit, He empowers us to live lives that glorify God and serve others.
Living the Legacy
As Dustin’s final sermon reminded us, there is a God who is infinite and personal, who directs all things for His glory and our good. May we live with that same clarity and purpose, seeking God’s glory and the good of others in everything we do. For in Christ, we are not only called to servant leadership—we are empowered for it.
Let’s live as people who point to Him in both our identity and our actions. To God be the glory.