Being a Man on a Mission

In every community—whether a workplace, a church, a family, or a team—there are two types of leadership postures that shape how people influence others: agenda-driven and mission-driven. One uses people to advance personal goals; the other invests in people to advance a shared purpose.

Surprisingly, this dynamic is vividly illustrated in a short but powerful episode from the life of David, recorded in 2 Samuel 2:12–16. At first glance, it looks like a simple battlefield skirmish. But beneath the surface, it reveals the danger of agenda-driven leadership and the tragedy that follows when people become tools instead of treasures.

The Scene: A Contest That Never Should Have Happened

In 2 Samuel 2, Israel is divided. David has been anointed king, but Saul’s remaining forces—led by Abner—refuse to accept God’s direction. Abner and Joab meet near the pool of Gibeon, and Abner proposes that some of the young men “get up and fight in front of us.”

What follows is chilling: twelve men from each side engage in a brutal contest that ends with all of them dead.

This encounter wasn’t strategy. It wasn’t mission.

It was an agenda between two leaders trying to self promote.

Abner wasn’t driven by God’s purpose for Israel—he was driven by his desire to maintain control and preserve his influence. Young warriors became pawns in a political game, and the result was needless death and the deepening of division.

Agenda-Driven Leadership: When People Become Tools

Agenda-driven leadership is rooted in self-promotion. It’s subtle at times and blatant at others, but it always follows the same pattern:

 1. Using people instead of serving them

Abner didn’t fight. He watched. His “contest” was entertainment, leverage, and positioning.

Agenda-driven leaders see people as assets—expendable ones. I couldn’t tell you the number of times someone has said to me, “ You’re such an asset to our church, company, team, ministry…” revealing the hidden “agenda” in their compliment. Of course.. Then the Lord just gently reminded me of the times I said this to others… UGH!

 2. Protecting power instead of pursuing truth

Abner knew God had chosen David (2 Samuel 3:9–10), but he resisted because it threatened his status.

An agenda always demands loyalty, even at the cost of truth.

 3. Creating conflict rather than resolving it

Abner ignited a skirmish that spiraled into a long and bloody conflict. Self-promoting leaders will always produce unnecessary battles.

Where motives are selfish, unity is impossible.

Mission-Driven Leadership: When People Become the Mission

By contrast, mission-driven leadership is anchored in a higher calling. It’s not about personal advancement—it’s about collective flourishing.

David, though not present at the pool, embodies this posture throughout his rise:

 1. Serving others even when it doesn’t benefit you

David consistently risked himself for the people God entrusted to him, even when they misunderstood or rejected him.

Mission-driven leaders ask: “How do I help you succeed?”

 2. Surrendering personal ambition to God’s purpose

While Abner clung to power, David waited patiently for God to fulfill His promise. He didn’t manipulate or maneuver his way to the throne.

Mission-driven leaders trust the mission more than their own timing. (Pardon me while I preach to myself a minute…)

 3. Building unity rather than exploiting division

David repeatedly tried to bring Israel together, even showing honor to Saul’s house. His goal was a unified, healthy nation—not personal dominance.

Mission-driven leaders heal what agenda-driven leaders break.

What 2 Samuel 2:12–16 Teaches Us Today

This brief, violent episode is more than ancient history. It is a warning.

Agenda-driven leadership is costly.

It sacrifices people on the altar of progress.

It produces conflict, resentment, and relational casualties.

It might win battles, but it destroys teams.

Mission-driven leadership is life-giving.

It honors people as the value they are in their true identity, not instruments.

It produces trust, loyalty, and genuine collaboration.

It doesn’t just win—it transforms.

And God ultimately blesses mission-driven leaders because they align themselves with His heart: to serve, to build, and to love.

A Final Reflection

Every day, we choose which type of leader we will be.

Will we be like Abner—people in our orbit becoming stepping stones to our personal goals? Or will we be like David—patient, humble, and committed to a mission larger than ourselves?

The pool of Gibeon reminds us:

When leaders chase agendas, people bleed.

When leaders pursue the mission, people flourish.

May I be mission-driven—shaped by God’s purpose, centered on serving others, and committed to building what lasts.