How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's will, unlike Saul's? Setting the Scene: 1 Samuel 22:7 “Then Saul said to his servants who stood by him, ‘Listen now, Benjaminites! Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?’” Saul tries to buy loyalty with land and titles. His words expose a heart driven by self-preservation, jealousy, and distrust of God’s plan. From this brief moment we can trace the root system of leadership gone wrong—and learn how to plant something better. Warning Signs in Saul’s Leadership • Self-interest first: promises of “fields and vineyards” (v. 7) show his priority was personal power, not God’s glory. • Manipulation of people: he plays on tribe loyalty—“Listen now, Benjaminites!”—rather than uniting the nation under God. • Fear of losing position: earlier, Saul heard that “the LORD has sought a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) and never surrendered that verdict to God. • Disobedience disguised as worship: “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Saul offered sacrifices yet ignored God’s voice. Key Indicators of Misaligned Leadership Today • Decisions shaped by popularity polls instead of Scripture. • Protecting title or perks more than protecting people. • Measuring success by numbers, perks, budgets—anything except faithfulness. • Reacting from jealousy when God raises up other servants. • Using spiritual language to excuse compromise. Principles for God-Aligned Leadership 1. Whole-heart obedience – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Partial obedience cost Saul his crown; full obedience secures God’s favor. 2. Humble servanthood – Jesus: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43-44). – Leadership is foot-washing, not throne-guarding. 3. Integrity and skill in tandem – “So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and led them with skillful hands” (Psalm 78:72). – Character is the engine; competence is the steering wheel. 4. God-given wisdom – “The wisdom from above is first of all pure… full of mercy and good fruit” (James 3:17). – Decisions bathed in prayer and Scripture keep motives pure. 5. Justice, mercy, humility – “What does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). – These three cords hold leadership steady. Practical Steps to Stay on Course • Daily Scripture intake—let God’s Word set the agenda before schedules and stakeholders do. • Regular heart checks—ask, “Am I seeking my kingdom or His?” (Romans 12:2). • Accountability—invite trusted believers to speak into blind spots; David thrived with Nathan, Saul silenced Samuel. • Celebrate others’ success—Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to prefer others; jealousy dies when gratitude rises. • Fast from self-promotion—let God “make you commanders” if He chooses; resist manufacturing platforms. • Act promptly on conviction—the longer Saul delayed, the harder his heart grew. Promises God Extends to Faithful Leaders • Guidance: “He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). • Enduring legacy: “The LORD has sought a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)—what He seeks, He upholds. • Joy in service: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). • Eternal commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Closing Encouragement Saul’s tragic path need not be ours. Field-grabbing and title-granting fade, but leaders who obey, serve, and trust the Lord stand firm. Keep your eyes on the Shepherd, and you will lead His flock in step with His will. |
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