saul

When King Saul was looking for a champion to defeat Goliath, he promised his daughter in marriage to the Israelite victor. Saul made good on his promise by offering his oldest daughter to David (1 Sam. 18:17-18). But Israelite’s newest hero does not feel like he is worthy of the honour associated with becoming the king’s son-in-law. David, who had already achieved great success as a young man, apparently chose the path of humility in this situation.

Leadership success often breeds pride. Humbly keeping our successes in perspective is a key aspect of servant leadership. In my view, when we experience personal success, God has either given us the success directly and/or given us the ability to achieve the success. In either case, God deserves the credit. As G.K. Chesterton said, “Humility is the mother of giants.” When it comes to experiencing success, humility allows us to keep God big in the midst of the success He gives us.

When I started out in pastoral ministry, my Lead Pastor told me that at least 10% of the people in the church would grow to dislike me. How’s that for encouragement! Yet, as a young, people-pleasing intern, I needed to have this kind of reality check. At the end of 1 Samuel 10, Saul returns to his hometown of Gibeah with a cadre of valiant men. Yet, we also learn that some troublemakers despised him and openly questioned his leadership (1 Sam. 10:27). I suspect that these agitators were part of Saul’s 10%. Fortunately, God had already brought key supporters into Saul’s life – the heroes I mention in a previous blog (see Surrounded by Heroes). I don’t enjoy being disliked. However, as a leader, I need to accept that peoples’ displeasure often comes with the territory and continue to lead even as God leads me.