"Please don't upset them........" (NLT)

David was in a very difficult position. He was an Israelite but had joined the Philistine army. At the time of the text, the Philistines were on their way to battle against the Israelites. Some of the other leaders went to the Philistine King Achish and told him that David and his men should be sent back to Ziklag. These leaders were concerned that when the battle pursued, David and his men would not fight against Israel, but would instead turn on the Philistines. King Achish held a meeting with David and convinced him to go back to Ziklag. Achish said to David "Please don't upset them, but go back quietly."

David heeded the king's instructions, gathered his men together and went back to Ziklag. I imagine that as David was on his way to Ziklag, he was probably saying to himself "don't upset them? I retreated from the battle so that I wouldn't upset them? I'm a leader and now the King thinks that I left the battle field to keep from upsetting someone."

How often have you walked away from an assignment because you were concerned about people getting upset? Leaders always face tough decisions and it is impossible to reach a conclusion that will not leave somebody upset. There will be those who appreciate the decision you make and there will be those who do not.

Someone has said "I can't tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone." You will never go far if pleasing people is your motivation or if upsetting people is your deterrent. Leaders make the tough call.