How should we respond when leaders prioritize self-glory over God's glory? Setting the Scene “Early in the morning, Samuel got up to confront Saul, but it was reported to Samuel, ‘Saul went to Carmel where he set up a monument for himself; then he turned and went down to Gilgal.’” (1 Samuel 15:12) Saul had been commissioned to devote the Amalekites to destruction (15:3). Instead of complete obedience, he spared what pleased him, then paused to celebrate himself with a monument. The contrast is stark: the throne that should have magnified God now spotlights Saul. Why Self-Glory Is So Serious • Self-exaltation steals the honor that belongs to God alone (Isaiah 42:8). • It blinds leaders to correction (Proverbs 16:18). • It misleads those under their influence (Matthew 15:14). • It invites God’s discipline (Acts 12:21-23; Daniel 4:30-32). Scriptural Warnings Echoing 1 Samuel 15:12 • Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction.” • Matthew 23:12 – “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.” • 1 Peter 5:5 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Jeremiah 9:23-24 – Boasting must be in knowing the LORD. Healthy Ways to Respond When Leaders Seek Their Own Glory 1. Discern the Issue with Scripture in Hand • Measure actions by the Word, not by charisma or results (Hebrews 4:12). • Refuse to redefine disobedience as success. 2. Maintain Personal Obedience to God • Samuel did not let Saul’s failure become his own (1 Samuel 15:13-14). • “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) 3. Confront with Courage and Clarity • Samuel approached Saul directly, naming the sin (1 Samuel 15:17-19). • Galatians 6:1 outlines gentle, truthful restoration. • Aim for repentance, not humiliation. 4. Guard Your Heart from Contagious Pride • Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to consider others above ourselves. • Regular self-examination keeps the same seeds from sprouting in us (Psalm 139:23-24). 5. Pray for the Leader and the Flock • Intercede that God grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25-26). • Ask the Lord to protect those who might stumble (John 17:15). 6. Uphold Accountability Structures • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 portrays mutual strength and protection. • Healthy eldership or board governance can rescue a ministry from one person’s ego. 7. Trust God’s Ultimate Justice • The kingdom was torn from Saul (1 Samuel 15:28). • “He removes kings and establishes them.” (Daniel 2:21) Encouragement for the Faithful When leaders chase their own renown, the temptation is discouragement or cynicism. Yet God remains on His throne, His Word unbroken, His purposes unstoppable. Keep your gaze fixed on Christ, “who, existing in the form of God… humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:6-8). Follow His path of lowly obedience, confident that “those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). |
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