David Was Strategic, But Abishai Was Realistic

‭2 Samuel 19:21-22 KJV‬ [21] But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed? [22] And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

Someone describes being strategic as, ” …the ability to lead ourselves, our teams and our organizations, in a way that advances the organizations missions and goals and creates advantage for the long term. In this definition, there’s alignment between our goals and our actions”. By this alone we know that King David and Abishai had different long term goals. Abishai was a realist, fine soldier. David was a king in transition needing everyone’s support. David’s focus was on the future. Abishai’s was to serve as a deterrent. Mosaic People’s Development identifies three components for being strategic: Strategic thinking, Strategic planning, and Strategic Implementation. David probably didn’t dissect his decision in this scientific manner. That is a development of 21st century scholarship, but he followed the process. Abishai on the other hand was aable to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way. a sensible, realistic person/attitude. trying to be realistic about the realist. According to Webster, a realist is: ” …able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way. a sensible, realistic person/attitude. You need both perspectives in leadership. It’s strategic vision that took Christ to the grave. It was realistic vision to put the ears of Pilate’s servant back to save Peter. Each has its peculiar place in leadership. You need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to execute each.