I was reading about David’s Mighty Men today and this thought crossed my mind: if David had been consumed with insecurity like his predecessor, Saul, he would have surrounded himself with weak men. I know that sounds silly to say, but I think that is what a lot of leaders do. They sabotage themselves by NOT surrounding themselves with the best or the brightest. Why? Insecurity. Just a thought. But I do know this. Early on in ministry, your level of influence will be determined by your competence. But give it a few years, and your level of influence will be determined by the competence of the people you surround yourself with. If you struggle with insecurity you’ll never reach the level of influence God wants you to have. Why? Because you’re not surrounded my Mighty Men.

Think about this. Anyone of those Mighty Men probably could have killed David. But David wasn’t threatened by their strengths. He marshaled them. He led them. He rallied them to his cause.

Here’s the litmus test when it comes to insecurity: are you threatened by the strengths of others?