I sometimes wonder if Samuel distanced himself from Saul too soon after Saul became making some unwise choices. There seems to be some mentoring happening at the start of their relationship. In fact, they apparently spent the night talking before Samuel anointed Saul as king (1 Samuel 9:25-26). Samuel was planning to tell Saul everything that was in Saul's heart (1 Samuel 9:19)

After Saul becomes king, Samuel seems to fade from the picture (1 Samuel 12). Yet, he still comes back to rebuke Saul a couples times (1 Samuel 13 and 15). What was happening here? Did Samuel withdraw from Saul or did Saul choose not to stay close to (or at least consult) Samuel? We don’t know all of the details, but, personally, I think Samuel checked out of Saul's life too soon. He should have been more persistent in his mentoring and counsel. What do you think?

I realize that we often need to be wise stewards of our time and energy and invest ourselves in the lives of those who are willing to grow. Yet, I am also aware that peoples’ teachability can change dramatically through the seasons of life. If we’re not close enough to notice the softening of peoples’ hearts, we may miss out on the opportunity to pour into their lives when they are most open to receive it.

Several years ago, one of my students used a quote from Hugh Hewitt’s book, In, But Not Of, to express her personal calling. “Given this perspective, that each soul is immortal, changing the trajectory of a soul’s path is a matter of infinite consequences” (Hewitt, 2012, p. 19). She went on to say that “walking in wisdom, I desire to be a soul-nudger.”

What an exciting opportunity we have today to be soul-nudgers with our family, friends, co-workers and others that we journey alongside. Be encouraged! Even a small change in trajectory can make a huge difference over time.

I grew up in Caronport, Saskatchewan. One of my neighbors was Dr. Dave Currie (he was a prof at Briercrest Bible College at the time; he is now Director of Doing Family Right). One night, he dropped by our house with a book in his hand.  As a young adult, I had recommitted my life to the Lord and was beginning to serve God in various ministries. Dave said that he thought everyone moving into vocational ministry should read the book he gave me that night.

The book, now called Man of Vision, chronicles  the life of Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision and the person who helped Samaritan's Purse get off the ground. In the book, Marilee Pierce Dunker, Pierce’s daughter, describes a man deeply committed to God and His work with the poor and destitute around the world. Yet, somehow, Pierce lost sight of his family. He and his wife separated and one of Pierce’s daughters committed suicide. Late in life, Pierce realized some of the errors of his ways and was reconciled to his wife. It was too late to do so with his daughter.

Reading this triumphant and tragic story as a young man had a profound influence on my life and leadership. It made me poignantly aware that leadership starts with myself and in the home. Nothing else matters if I’m not a good leader with those closest to me.

Note: You can read a short, Christianity Today article, “Imperfect Instrument,” about Bob Pierce's life.