A King's Glory

For Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Proverbs 14:28

In a multitude of people is the glory of a king,
but without people a prince is ruined.

A king cannot reign without a people. Indeed, without a people to rule over he is not a king. By its very definition, kingship is about relationship. A person may have great qualities, but if there is no one over whom and for whom to exercise those qualities, then he has no status. If a king is only as great a king in relation to the people he governs, then, however great he may like to regard himself, he is dependent upon those who are beneath him for his status. Thus the greatest of leaders is dependent upon the humblest of followers.

And thus a leader must lead well and govern well. If his glory is people and not wealth, then all the more he must give attention to the welfare of his people. This is a good principle for all leaders. The true glory of any leader is found in the commitment of those who follow him or her. Leaders do not merely get things done; they get things done is such a way that those under them gladly do what it takes. They aspire to please their leaders.

Gladly do we follow our King who won our allegiance by being our Servant. Gladly do we offer up our service to the one who battled for us; who suffered on our behalf. And so this King has won multitudes of people for his glory.