The Tale of Three Kings: A Journey in Leadership and Humility
I read a lot of books. I owe my love of reading to a pastor I worked for years ago. The first time that I heard the phrase, “leaders are readers,” I committed myself to reading every day.
On a Delta jet to Romania, I read Gene Edward’s book , “The Tale of Three Kings.” It reshaped my life and is a significant reason that I love what I do in my mid sixties.
Since then, I’ve given one hundred or more copies of this book to other leaders and potential leaders.
In my journey as a leader, few books have impacted me as profoundly as “The Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness.” This slim volume, barely over 100 pages, packs a powerful punch, offering timeless wisdom through the biblical stories of Saul, David, and Absalom. As I reflect on my growth as a leader, I can trace much of my development back to the lessons gleaned from this remarkable book.
Let me share three key takeaways that have not only bettered my life but also transformed my approach to leadership:
- The Danger of Unbroken Ambition
Edwards masterfully illustrates the destructive power of unchecked ambition through the stories of Saul and Absalom. Both figures, driven by their desire for power and recognition, ultimately meet tragic ends. This served as a stark reminder that leadership is not about personal glory or advancement, but about serving others and a higher purpose.
One quote that particularly struck me was:
“Unbroken people use their authority to serve themselves; broken people use their authority to serve others.”
This insight still challenges me to examine my motivations as a leader. Was I seeking position and influence for my own sake, or was I truly committed to serving those I lead? It prompted a shift in my perspective, encouraging me to view leadership as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
- The Power of Brokenness
The most transformative concept in Edward’s book is the idea of brokenness. He presents brokenness not as weakness, but as a necessary process for effective, humble leadership. Through David’s story, we see how God uses difficult circumstances to shape and refine character.
Another impactful quote states:
“Broken people have ceased to be the primary message; they have become more like the messenger.”
This idea revolutionized my understanding of personal growth and leadership development. I began to view challenges and setbacks not as obstacles, but as opportunities for God to shape me into a more effective leader. It taught me to embrace difficulties with humility, knowing that they were part of a larger process of refinement.
- The Importance of Responding to Injustice
One of the most challenging aspects of the book is its treatment of how leaders should respond to unjust treatment. Through David’s response to Saul’s persecution, Gene Edwards presents a radical model of non-retaliation and trust in God’s sovereignty.
A quote that encapsulates this principle is:
“You can trust the hand that is holding the hammer and chisel.”
This perspective was initially difficult for me to accept. As a leader, I often felt the need to defend myself against criticism or unfair treatment. However, as I began to apply this principle, I found a new level of peace and effectiveness in my leadership. By choosing not to retaliate or defend myself unnecessarily, I was able to maintain focus on my mission and preserve relationships that might otherwise have been damaged.
It’s not easy to receive criticism, especially if it seems completely unjustified, but trust God with it. He will use it – justified or not – for your good.
Please don’t hear me say that reading this book fixed my problems with criticism, but it did give me a far greater way to receive it and not fight my way out of it.
Embracing these lessons has profoundly impacted my leadership style and personal life. I’ve learned to lead with greater humility, recognizing that my position is a trust given for the benefit of others, not a platform for personal advancement. This shift has led to deeper, more authentic relationships with my team and a more collaborative, empowering leadership culture.
Moreover, embracing the concept of brokenness has allowed me to view challenges and setbacks in a new light. Instead of being discouraged by difficulties, I now see them as opportunities for growth and refinement. This perspective has increased my resilience and adaptability as a leader.
Finally, learning to respond to injustice with grace and trust in God’s sovereignty has been liberating. It’s freed me from the burden of always having to defend myself or prove my worth. This has not only reduced my stress levels but has also enabled me to maintain a clearer focus on my goals and responsibilities as a leader.
“The Tale of Three Kings” is not just a book about ancient kings; it’s a profound exploration of timeless leadership principles. By highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition, the power of brokenness, and the importance of responding to injustice with grace, Gene Edwards provides a roadmap for authentic, humble leadership.
As I continue my leadership journey, I find myself regularly returning to the wisdom found in this small but mighty book. For anyone seeking to grow in leadership and character, “The Tale of Three Kings” is an invaluable resource that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Go in Peace, Chuck
