Have you ever spent time with people who love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments? The expression, “tooting one’s own horn,” describes this self-aggrandizing practice of drawing attention to oneself.

King Saul was already in trouble. He had disobeyed the Lord after a great victory against the Amalekites by not killing all of the people and livestock (see “Partial Obedience” post). Samuel tried to track him down only to find that he had gone to Carmel to “set up a monument in his own honor” (1 Sam. 15:12). In fact, it was Jonathan’s act of courage (which I describe in my “One Act of Courage” post) that set the stage for God to send a wave of panic through the Amalekite camp. Instead of building a monument to God or Jonathan (the true heroes of the story), Saul “toots his own horn” in an attempt to exalt himself.

As a leader, I sometimes follow Saul’s example by positioning myself so that others notice my accomplishments and give credit to me. “Lord. Deliver us from this kind of pride that seeks to exalt oneself and minimize others. Help us to be humble servants who seek your honor above all else. Amen.”

As a student at Trinity Western University back in the 80s, I became heavily involved in student leadership. During one of my trips home to visit family in Caronport, Saskatchewan, I had a conversation with Dr. Henry Hildebrand, the founder of Briercrest. I told him how I felt overwhelmed because I was such a young leader. I wasn’t sure how I could manage all of my responsibilities. With the utmost humility and a twinkle in his eye, Dr. Hildebrand said, “Ah, don’t worry, Randy. By the time I was your age, I had started a Bible College.” It was just what I needed to hear. If God wanted me to do something, He would provide the resources to do it. Sometimes, one sentence can shape us in remarkable ways.

"We are, however, anxious to obey God rather than men. If He continues to lead us in this direction, we will follow, regardless of man's opinion. We fully realize that under the economic conditions prevailing here it will require a great deal of faith to proceed. We have had six crop failures. Ninety percent of the people are on relief. We are, however, blessed with some dozens of praying Christians who are endowed with enough faith to move mountains" (a quote from Dr. Hildebrand as he contemplated starting Briercrest - http://www.briercrest.ca/college/about-briercrest/history).

King Saul had just disobeyed the Lord (see “Partial Obedience” post) and God told Samuel that He was grieved over making Saul king. This news from the Lord upset Samuel. What did he do in his troubled state? He cried out to the Lord all night (1 Sam. 15:11). As we face challenges in life and ministry, may we be quick to pray and to commit our troubles to the One who can help us navigate through turbulent times.