Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?” (1 Sam. 10:1)
Expanded Passage: 1 Samuel 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 people in leadership roles are not vindictive, egotistical, or greedy, but rather too casual. They mishandle their power not with harshness but with nonchalance. They either do not know how or do not want to pick up the reins and move the organization down the road.
In an instant, Saul became a leader. Of course, he had advisors and did not assume the throne immediately, but in theory as the anointed king, he became 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 one’s authority well.
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, or 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 wife, mother, gramma, speaker, and author of several books including the Sisters in Faith Bible Studies (WPH).
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
