Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?” (1 Sam. 10:1)
IF IT TAKES NOBLE CHARACTER to respond to authority, it also takes noble character to handle one’s own authority. How many of us have witnessed the misuse of authority? Or have possibly been in the employment of one who abuses his or her power?
Some in leadership roles are not vindictive, egoistical or greedy, but rather too casual. They mishandle their power not with harshness but with nonchalance. They don’t know how to or don’t want to pick up the reins and move the organization down the road.
In an instant, Saul became a leader. Now, of course, he had advisors, and he wouldn’t assume the throne immediately, but in theory at least, he was now the leader of millions of people. He was their monarch, their ruler. Quite a heady realization! Actually, the prophet called him the “commander” or the captain. And the people he was going to lead were the “inheritance” of the Lord God. Now, that’s a responsibility, a good reason to steward well one’s authority.
Few people can truly manage authority. Unfortunately, many in powerful positions are influenced by selfish motives—to project a flashy image, to gather wealth, to garner praise, to accumulate even more power. But, at the beginning of his reign as Israel’s king, Saul had none of these motives. He was a simple man, chosen and anointed.
Let God mold your character, so you can handle authority.
Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife, mother, author, speaker and editor of a publication for Christian women. She has a passion to communicate biblical truth for today’s issues.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
