March 24, 2011 Wanted: Humility

Wanted: Humility
Read 1 Samuel 18-19

1 Sam 18:7-9 As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

SAUL is King of Israel. But he’s a lousy leader. He let fear keep him from victory over Goliath. He sent a boy to do a man’s job there. Now the boy David gets more credit, and Saul’s pride begins to destroy him.
From this incident is Saul’s quick decline to vengeance, murder and insanity. God had given to him a young, passionate leader in David; yet, Saul’s jealousy kept David from using his passion and skills to support his king.
What should Saul have done here? He should have celebrated David, too. He should have made David a General in his army to train his army well. He should have thanked God for such a leader in his midst.
Instead he began a pursuit to destroy David. And this would eventually destroy him. Saul could have been a great first king for Israel. Instead, as in so many men who rule, his pride and fear destroyed him.
Has God given you opportunities to lead? Use your strengths and use the strengths’ of others whom God has sent to help you. Be humble and lead in the understanding that it is God who has placed you in this position. And it is God whom you will glorify when you lead well.


Pause and Consider: where God is guiding you to lead.