When Results Are Not Enough

Having worked in the corporate world, I came across many decisions made by management teams. Most of them were expected, you could almost predict who would be chosen and how things would unfold. But every now and then, a decision would come along that truly surprised you. I remember one such moment in my own career. When I first joined the team, it was very clear that the path upward was steep. There were several people ahead of me, more experienced, more knowledgeable, more established in the process, and seemingly more likely to grow into leadership roles. I could almost sense the order and where I stood within it.

But over the next few years, something changed. I focused on learning, growing, and quietly building my place. Within three years, I had made a name for myself, and soon after, I found myself stepping into a position I never expected. I’m not saying this to highlight myself, but to make a point. Even though there were seniors around me, the upper management chose me to lead the team. A team of over 100 people and growing. I had no clear explanation for it, but deep within, I knew I was ready.

As I was reading 2 Samuel 23, I came across a similar kind of “unexpected decision”, but this time, it was not about who was chosen… it was about who was missing.

This is towards the end of David’s life. In this chapter, he highlights his inner circle. The mighty men who stood with him, fought alongside him, and remained loyal through the years. These were men who risked everything, even breaking through an entire army just to bring him water.

And yet, at this moment, one name is missing.

Joab.

If you read through 2 Samuel, you will see his name appear again and again. He was not distant from David’s story - he was central to it. He was the commander of David’s army. He led battles. He executed strategies. He stood through seasons when others came and went. And yet… his name is missing from the list of valiant men.

That made me pause. Because it reminded me of something I’ve seen before.

I still remember my last day at that company. They organized a farewell for me, and it was overwhelming. The number of gifts I received that day was something I never expected. My friend’s car was filled with them, so much so that we barely had space to sit.

It felt like recognition. It felt like honor. And that’s when the contrast hit me.

Joab had position.

Joab had influence.

Joab had visibility.

But he did not have honor. As I reflected on his life, a pattern began to emerge.

Joab was fierce in battle, no doubt. But again and again, he took matters into his own hands.

• He killed Abner — driven by personal revenge.

• He killed Absalom — directly going against David’s command.

• He killed Amasa — through deception.

On the surface, he looked like one of the most important men in David’s kingdom. The senior, the one who gets things done, the one who carries weight.

But when you look deeper, something is off.

He was effective. But not aligned.

It reminded me of a certain kind of person we often see in workplaces.

The one who does the heavy lifting.

The one who delivers results.

The one who appears indispensable.

And yet, if you look closely, the heart behind the work is not right.

It may be driven by self-interest.

It may bypass authority.

It may look right on the outside - but something underneath is misaligned.

And that’s where this becomes personal.

How often do we confuse results with righteousness?

How often do we assume that because something worked, it must have been right?

How often do we justify outcomes, even when the process was not aligned?

Joab teaches us a quiet but sobering lesson.

You can be present in every battle…and still be missing when honor is given.

You can be useful…and still not be faithful.

You can be central to the story…and yet not aligned with the heart behind it.

And maybe that’s the real question this passage leaves us with.

Not: “Am I doing enough?”

But: “Am I aligned?”

Because in the end, it is not just about what we do. It is about how we do it and whose heart we are truly aligned with.

Because being part of the story is one thing…but being counted in the honor is another.