This is an excerpt from chapter nine of "How The Mighty Have Fallen."  Follow this link to order your copy

Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had lamented for him and buried him in Ramah, in his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the spiritists out of the land. …Then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her." 1 Samuel 28:3,7 
 
King Saul had a problem with integrity. He was one thing publicly, but another thing privately.  In public, he took a stand against mediums and drove them out of Israel, but in private, at least on one occasion, they were still a part of his life. 
 
Integrity comes from the Latin word “integer” which means “one” or “wholeness.” To have integrity means there is no double mindedness or duplicity in one’s character. It is the condition of being whole—undivided in values and conduct. It is the struggle to be without contradiction in one’s character.

By contrast, Saul was duplicitous. He was double minded. He forbade others from seeking out witches and outlawed mediums from the land, but still harbored them in his own heart.
 
INTEGRITY ARISES FROM PRINCIPLES
 
The person of integrity is a person of principle. They are guided by absolutes: an internalized set of rules that guides their decisions and determines their course of conduct. They are firm on what is right and what is wrong. Of course, they are not perfect and may fall short of their convictions from time to time. But, at the core, they struggle to remain consistent with the values in which they believe.
 
Absolutes are simply that, absolute. They are truths that are not dependent on external conditions, opinions, or approvals for their nature or existence. They exist as sovereign realities simply because they are true. One plus one equals two is absolute. Two plus two equals four is absolute. These realities do not need personal interpretation or application to be true; they are correct on the basis of their own nature. In much the same way, the man of integrity recognizes certain moral absolutes and has integrated his life around them. Like the engineer adhering to principles of mathematics, the person of integrity commits to these absolutes as the guiding equations of his life. He believes them to be essential truths that will keep his home, his family, his ministry, his career, and all things secure. In fact, everything in his life depends on his recognizing and building his life upon those essential truths. 
 
For the Christian, the “absolute” is God’s Word, the Bible. Scripture is the standard, the authoritative rule for faith and conduct in this life. Beginning with the Ten Commandments and extending through the Epistles of Paul, these truths provide foundational principles that serve as the basis for integrity. 
 
INTEGRITY REQUIRES COURAGE
 
Most people have integrity until that integrity costs them something personally. It’s our willingness to pay a price for our morals that demonstrates if the integrity we claim to have is real or mere pretense. 

It was easy for Daniel (in Daniel 1:8) to abstain from pagan foods while living in Jerusalem where pagan food was taboo. The real test of integrity came in Babylon, when he was expected—even commanded—to eat pagan foods. It was when his principles required him to defy the king and say, “No. I won’t!” It was when there was a potential cost involved that his integrity was authentically demonstrated.
 
I was easy for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (in Daniel 3:13-18) to refuse to bow before idols in Israel where idolatry was frowned upon. That’s not showing integrity. True integrity was shown when Nebuchadnezzar commanded them to bow under threat of execution if they refused. True integrity was revealed when the guards heated the furnace, bound them with chains and still they refused to bow. True integrity was shown when they were tossed into the fire and would not betray their convictions even expecting death to ensue. That is integrity, when it costs.

 True integrity will be tested. It has a price which can only be paid by the courageous—the one who is willing to lose friends, become unpopular, face rejection, mockery, insult and even injury. Integrity costs. Integrity requires courage.
 
INTEGRITY IS WHAT HAPPENS IN PRIVATE

Integrity means doing what is right when no one is watching. Psalms 101:2 says, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” The old saying is still true: “Integrity is when you do the right thing even though no one is watching.” It’s what we do when we’re all alone, when no one is there to appreciate our goodness or rebuke our badness that defines the authenticity of our integrity. Anyone can stand in the pulpit and declare high ideals to the admiration of the crowd. As well, anyone can avoid doing wrong when he knows he’s being monitored in the spotlight. It’s what a man will do when he knows he will get away with it that reveals how much integrity he really has. 
 
Integrity is not true unless it passes the privacy test. True integrity is what happens when no one is watching and I know I can get away with compromising it. If you want to be anointed in public, learn first how to be anointed in private. Learn how to honor God, walk in purity, and maintain integrity in secret and God will bless you openly.
 
INTEGRITY TELLS THE TRUTH
 
Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Ephesians 4:25 says: “(put) away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor.” By contrast, studies reveal that 91 percent of people lie regularly, 69 percent admit to frequently lying to their spouses, and 32 percent believe that they've been lied to by their pastor. 
  
So what is “lying?” That’s easy one may say: “It’s a statement that misleads or deceives someone.” But lying is more than a deceptive statement—lying is any action or intention that misleads, deceives, or misrepresents the truth.
 
1 Peter 2:1 says, “Therefore, lay aside all guile (or deceit).” Honesty, as the Bible defines it, means avoiding statements or actions (such as giving partial information, or making out-of-context statements, or even maintaining silence) that are intended to create beliefs or leave impressions that are untrue or misleading. Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics states, “Honesty is a good-faith intent to convey the truth as best we know it and to avoid communicating in a way likely to mislead or deceive.”
 
INTEGRITY KEEPS ITS WORD
 
Psalm 15:1-4 tells us, “Who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly…He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.” James 5:12 says it like this, “…let your ‘Yes,’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.” Too often people who lack integrity say “yes” but then their  “yes” quickly changes to “no.”
 
It is important to understand that the ethic of keeping one’s word is an absolute. It is a universal principle, revealed in God’s Word, intended for all who would “abide in His tabernacle” to observe. Robert Service said, “A promise made is a debt unpaid.” The man of integrity takes his word very seriously. Anytime he gives his word, makes a promise or commits, it is (to him) like incurring a debt: a debt that can only be satisfied by doing what’s been promised. 
 
INTEGRITY BRINGS SECURITY
 
Proverbs10:9 tells us, “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” One’s life may be filled with great accomplishments, but it is integrity that keeps those accomplishments secure. 
 
Saul was a leader who lacked integrity and it became his downfall. God had promoted him to the pinnacle of success but his character was unable to support it. Are we men and women of integrity? Success and promotion will bring many temptations and opportunities to compromise our morals. But the leaders that have integrity will stand. Integrity keeps us consistent, reliable, and honest: qualities which provide a foundation to support a leader’s enlargement.
 

This is an excerpt from chapter eight of "How The Mighty Have Fallen."  Follow this link to order your copy.

And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house!" Then the king said to the guards who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me." 1 Samuel  22:13-19

Conflict is a fact of leadership. It is inevitable. And never is a leader’s ability to lead more on trial than when confronted with conflict. It reveals a leader’s steel. Either it will demonstrate his credibility or expose his inability. Most people are impressed by the size of a leader’s organization; but in truth, it is conflict that brings out the best or the worst, and reveals a leader’s capacity to lead.

In essence, Saul was an abysmal failure at managing conflict. In fact, his leadership style and lust for power was the catalyst for conflict. Ironically, that which drove him to bolster his role as king ultimately led to his downfall and the eventual defeat of his regime. Such will be the outcome of any leader who fails to manage conflict and restore unity. Jesus said it like this: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand”  (Matthew 12:25).

“I hate confrontation,” is the phrase we often hear from leaders but, unfortunately, conflict and confrontation cannot be avoided. If you are going to lead, you will encounter conflict. In fact, if you are not encountering conflict, you are probably not leading; more likely, you are just maintaining status quo. The question, therefore, for leaders, is not “how will you handle conflict ‘if’ it comes?” The question is “how will you handle conflict ‘when’ it comes?”
 
MANAGING CONFLICT REQUIRES A HEALTHY LEADER
 
If conflict can be resolved, it requires a healthy, sensitive, selfless leader: one who can set aside his own fears, insecurities and pride, and focus first on the needs and concerns of the people and the organization. This was the issue driving Israel’s dilemma. That conflict was driven by one thing: an arrogant, headstrong, insensitive leader. Saul only cared about his perspective, his concerns, his needs, and his position. And it was this reckless abuse of authority that plummeted the nation into years of turmoil and decline.

Such is the case in many situations today. Often, it is an inept, insecure leader who cares only about “being right” and “looking good” that is fuelling conflict in an organization. Even conflicts not initiated by a leader can be exacerbated by him because of his own ego issues and fears of  “losing face.”

 TOXIC LEADERS CREATE CONFLICT
 
Every organization has within its ranks people who are volatile, contentious, and insubordinate. Every church contains people with attitudes and inclinations that have the potential to erupt into divisive, destructive forces. It is the disposition of the pastor that ultimately decides whether or not those rebellious spirits will rise to find a voice. His ability (or lack of ability) to relate to people, communicate effectively, and lead proactively determines if the culture of the church will promote dissention or encourage unity. 
 
Plainly stated, leaders must set the tone for unity in the church by his or her own example. Sadly, some leaders have the kind of disposition and personality that seems to generate conflict and draw the worst out of people. They are contentious spirits or “toxic leaders.” Proverbs 26:21 says, “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” In 1 Timothy 6:4, Paul warns of those who are…  “Obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling (and) evil suspicions.” And, Proverbs 6:19 talks of he who “…sows discord among brethren.” There are some people who seem to be magnets for conflict. Like an influenza patient spreading sickness wherever he goes, these people spread their disease as well. Wherever they go, there is an outbreak of conflict.

So what does a “Toxic Leader” look like? How can you tell if you are a leader with a contentious spirit? 

First, a “Toxic Leader’s” opinions are offensively absolute. He uses tones and makes statements that seem to suggest his way is the only way and anyone who disagrees is intellectually inferior. And if his idea is not accepted, he withholds his support from any other initiative and may even attempt to undermine it. On the contrary, healthy pastors who promote unity are willing to consider other opinions. They can receive criticism without becoming defensive and even support programs or initiatives that they may not be personally enthusiastic about but will participate in for the sake of supporting the people involved.

Second, a “Toxic Leader” sees only his own perspective. Because his opinions are absolute—or “from God,” there is no reason to try and understand any other person’s perspective. They wrongly think: “These usurpers just need to submit.” When others try to explain another perspective, they interrupt and talk over them; they don’t even listen because they’re only concerned about what they’re going to say next. Healthy leaders however are skillful listeners. Romans 12:10 says “in honor (they) give preference to one another.” They know that to build unity people must feel respected and valued; these leaders convey a sense of appreciation for the unique insights and perspectives that everyone brings to the table.

Third, the “Toxic Leader” uses a tone that is abrasive. His statements are often marked by harsh, inflammatory words and condemning tones. It is not what he says, but how he says it. Statements are made that are provocative—even offensive. If they disagree with someone (which is typical)  their body language shouts rejection. They recoil and shake their head “disapprovingly.” They roll their eyes, and cross their arms. Everything about them says, “No way!” Of course, it is not wrong to disagree, but skillful leaders—uniting leaders—are able to disagree without being disagreeable or communicating rejection. Unifying leaders value inclusion. They convey a sense of welcome and respect to everyone even if their ideas are dissimilar.

Fourth, the “Toxic Leader” would rather be "right" than save a relationship. To this leader, winning an argument is more important than winning a soul (see Proverbs 11:30). Because he values his authority more than people and success as his greatest goal, those who disagree are seen as obstacles to overcome, rather  than valued souls to “win over.” But the wise leader knows how to “win souls.” He knows when compromise is necessary; he understands that losing an argument can sometimes be a strategic step in winning a brother and, thereby, ultimately winning the war.

Fifth, “Toxic Leaders” are quick to criticize, correct and rebuke, but slow to encourage. In fact, rarely does a “Toxic Leader” offer any hint of encouragement. They see people as things to use to accomplish a goal. They are out of touch with what people feel and need. They care only that people do what they are told to do, the way they are told to do it; and if you do it wrong, beware the wrath of the contentious spirit. But good leaders are full of encouragement for those around  them. In fact, when they offer correction, they are able to do so in a way that affirms people and inspires them to “want” to do better. They are not patronizing; they genuinely care about what people feel and need and believe their role as a leader is to help meet those needs.

Leaders who are humble and compassionate, leaders who convey a sense of worth and value to their followers, leaders who build a culture of inclusion where everyone matters and disagreement is met with respect are building a “Conflict Resistant Culture.” Theirs will be an environment where mutual respect, acceptance, and seeking to understand one another will preclude the possibility of hostile disagreement. Just as a block of ice cannot remain long in a tropical environment, the frigid rigidity of conflict will melt under the warm spirit of compassion and genuine love.
 
A FINAL WORD

Conflict is a fact of leadership, but division does not have to be. It is the character and disposition of the leader that ultimately decides how conflict will spread or be resolved. Unfortunately, Saul was of such little character that he not only failed to resolve conflict, he perpetuated it.  Effective leadership is by nature to manage and resolve conflict. Let us seek to  rise above our own egos and need to be right and put the greater good of the  organization first. Become a peacemaker and see how God will  bless.

This is an excerpt from chapter six of "How The Mighty Have Fallen."  Follow this link to order your copy.

So the women sang as they danced, and said: "Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands. Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, " Now what more can he have but the kingdom?" 1 Samuel 18:7-11
 
No matter who you are or how great your success, there will always come another who seems to be better, smarter, and more talented. But what do you do when that person is one of your own workers? And what do you do when the people in your church or organization praise and admire him or her more than they do you?

Young David had accomplished an incredible feat. He boldly confronted Goliath and rid Israel of a terrible menace. Through this, he demonstrated his loyalty to God and country as well as his own greatness as a leader. It’s not that he made Saul look bad. He simply looked “better” than Saul. He did what Saul could not—or would not do—and all Israel knew it. “Saul has slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands,” the women sang as they praised David in a celebration of dance. It would seem, at least it did to Saul, that the people believed David was a better man than him. 

So what is a leader to do? How should one react when a subordinate receives more praise and applause then the one in charge? If you are like Saul, the choice is clear. You simply pick up a spear and throw it at him. You ruin that “usurper” before he or she steals your kingdom from you.

 Absurd? Outrageous? Indeed, it sounds extreme but this is exactly what many leaders in the Kingdom of God are doing to the aspiring and talented workers under them. Subordinates who take initiative and succeed, whose special gifts and abilities are praised by fellow workers and church members, are often met by the suspicion and resentment of the leaders they serve. Their fear is that these young “Davids” will not only steal their popularity, but they could steal the “kingdom” that the authority believes is his by right.
 
THE MANDATE OF LEADERSHIP

A leader throwing spears is an offense to kingdom leadership. Imagine Peter being so envious of Paul’s success that he forbids him from planting a church. Or picture Paul being so threatened by Timothy’s popularity that he spreads rumors about him. Or imagine John the Baptist labeling Jesus a fraud because he is afraid of losing his followers. This is not leadership, it is self-preservation. It is not advancing the church for the glory of God; it is expanding an empire for the glory of self.

In the world, leaders aspire to greatness by achieving positions of power and authority. They measure success by the amount of people under their control and the largeness of their popularity. Unfortunately, many “Christian” leaders have come to define greatness in similar terms. To them it is building big churches, commanding huge crowds, and achieving fame. Their attitude is also the same as the world’s regarding people—especially subordinates. They are seen as objects to manipulate and control for the leader’s own benefit. In fact, followers who show promise or have some better quality than the leader are perceived as threats to be suppressed and are denied opportunity for promotion.

This was a great failure of King Saul just as it is for many church leaders. The mandate of kingdom leadership is to raise others up and release them rather than hold them down and repress them. Ephesians 4:11-12 says apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are to equip the saints for the work of Christ’s ministry, not suppress them for the sake of one’s own popularity. Clearly, scripture requires spiritual authorities to identify and prepare potential leaders for future ministry office. Failure to do this is a  serious betrayal of leadership. In fact, it is a betrayal of the very mandate given to leaders through the Word of God.

THOSE WHO LEAD MUST HAVE A VISION GREATER THAN THEMSELVES

Moses is one of the Bible’s greatest leaders whose achievements are still impacting the world today. His success remains, not only because he led Israel to the Promised Land, but because he was a leader who raised up other leaders. In Exodus 18:25-26, Moses “Chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. So they judged the people at all times.” Furthermore, in Numbers 11, Moses rejoiced to learn that seventy of his subordinates had received the same anointing he had and prophesied among the people. When others expected him to be threatened and put a stop to it, Moses declared, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD’S people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” Why did Moses have such a passion for raising, training, and releasing leaders? Because he had a vision greater than himself.

On the contrary, leaders who are threatened by their apprentices have a weak and limited vision. By suppressing or attacking subordinates they reveal how small-minded and inferior their caliber of leadership truly is. They care only for their specific interests in the here and now and no vision for advancing the Kingdom of God by advancing those He calls. 
 
THOSE WHO LEAD MUST HAVE A HEART TO MENTOR FOLLOWERS

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul told Timothy, “…the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” The biblical model of leadership is concerned, not only with influencing the masses, but also on mentoring the few. 

Almost every great leader in God’s Kingdom was first entrusted to a mentor before released into ministry. Paul had Barnabas and Timothy had Paul. And Timothy, in turn, was instructed to raise up elders in his church. Kingdom leaders must understand the sacred trust they have in recognizing, training, and elevating the aspiring leaders under them. God’s plan for preparing, conditioning, and training future pastors, teachers, and missionaries begins with an established leader who is willing to pour himself or herself into up and coming protégés. Those who fail to do so could be preventing the rise of another David or depriving the world of the next great Joshua.

THOSE WHO LEAD MUST BE WILLING TO LET GO OF STATUS

John the Baptist said, “He must increase and I must decrease” (John 3:30). The crowds were curious that people were being drawn to Jesus and leaving John behind. John was losing his status and popularity. But to his credit, he did not feel threatened. John realized his purpose was not to establish himself but to prepare the way for another. His purpose was to recognize, raise up, and release the next leader who would bring the next great anointing.

In a very similar way, all leaders carry the mantle of John the Baptist. We all exist to prepare the way for another; to seek and search for the next one to lead, to raise him up, and release him into leadership. Even more, we should realize that part of that preparation is to decrease our own status or importance in order to increase the status and importance of the one we are raising up.

Leaders must be willing to let go of control and give it to others. We must allow them to have authority and make decisions and enjoy the success and praise of those decisions. Kingdom leaders are not to grow in popularity and prestige like kings and heads of state, pulling more power and control to themselves. Instead, they should delegate and diminish. People should become less dependent on us and more dependent on those we are raising up. We should be decentralizing our power, decreasing our influence, and shifting it to others who will grow and learn from it and take it further.

Raising great leaders doesn’t just happen. It happens because one is an intentional mentor. Our role as leaders is not just to promote a vision for an organization and manage its operations efficiently. Our role is also to raise up other potential leaders for that organization so its survival will surpass our own influence. The greatest compliment to your leadership is the legacy of leaders that you have raised up to follow you. Do not limit the scope of your ministry by focusing only on the organization that is here and now. Have a long-term vision that transcends the present by raising up leaders whose influence will extend into the future. Sow into your church, ministry, or organization’s tomorrow by raising up leaders today.

This is an excerpt from chapter five of "How The Mighty Have Fallen." 
Follow this link to order your copy.

And the Philistine said, ‘I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.’ When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” - 1 Samuel 17:8-11
   
The true quality of a leader is revealed when he is confronted by a Goliath.

 Almost any leader can develop a vision and lay out a strategy for achieving it. Almost any leader can recruit people, motivate workers and supervise a team. The real test of leadership comes, however, when that leader faces obstacles. When resistance rises and adversity threatens success—when challenges loom as insurmountable—what does the leader do? Does he hesitate? Is he intimidated? Does he second guess and back pedal or does he remain firm and undaunted when the going gets tough?

The duty of leadership is to confront status quo and pull the people to a better place. Rosalynn Carter, wife of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, said, “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but where they ought to be.” In the course of such an act, a leader will undoubtedly face resistance. “Goliath-sized” obstacles will rise to challenge both the leader’s vision and his resolve. How a person responds to Goliath reveals if he or she is a true leader, or just a custodian sporting a fancy title.

Saul had a title, but that didn’t make him a leader. Men may have called him king, but that didn’t give him command. Sure, he could organize the infantry for a march and arrange the chariots for a parade, but when it came to the business of battle—the hard work of overcoming obstacles to success—he fell apart. Rather than meeting the antagonist on the battlefield and inspiring his followers forward, he brought the people to a halt and the ranks became stagnate. 

Leadership is ten percent vision and ninety percent overcoming the obstacles that hinder the vision. There will always be obstacles. People will always see some giant standing in the way of their progress. It could be a lack of resources, conflict within the organization, or resistance from outsiders. Whatever the obstacle, the leader’s job is to stand with confidence against it, plot a course to overcome it, and cheer his followers on to victory.

To the contrary, nothing will destroy the credibility of a leader like a spirit of fear. It wasn’t Goliath that paralyzed the Israelite army. They were paralyzed by their own leader who surrendered to fear. King Saul, frightened by Goliath’s challenge, retreated from his post and Israel’s advance was halted. If he had faith, if he had met the challenge with confidence and courage, his army would have followed him like they followed David. When David entered the scene and demonstrated his faith, the Israelites arose and defeated the Philistines. All they needed was a leader who believed God for success no matter how dire the circumstance.

People need leaders who have faith—even those who are critical and defiant. They may say, “It can’t be done; it’s impossible; we don’t have the means or resources.” But, in reality, they are hoping for a leader who will stand with confidence and say “God is able.” They will respond to a leader like young David who declares, “If God is for us who can be against us. Don’t give up; we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

Therefore, if there was one thing I could pray into the leaders of my church it would not be a new vision, smart ideas, fancy programs, or even great resources. The one thing I would pray into our leaders would be a good attitude—an attitude of faith. 
 
LEADERS PICK FIGHTS WITH GIANTS
 
People who achieve greatness think differently than most people. They talk differently, they pray differently, they look at challenges differently. To the man or woman who achieves greatness, challenges are not hindrances; they are opportunities for God to demonstrate His greatness on our behalf. The time has come for us to abandon the safety of the tent and move into a place where we are dependent on the provision of God to keep us secure. The time has come for us to be leaders who don’t just talk about miracles, divine provision, and glorifying God. The time has come for us to experience miracles and get some of our own testimonies of divine provision. But that can only happen if we kick the cowardly Saul who lives in our hearts out of the tent and pick a fight with Goliath.

This is an excerpt from chapter four of "How The Mighty Have Fallen."  Follow this link to order your copy.

So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal." 1 Samuel 15:12  
 
A monument is a structure built to memorialize greatness. It  calls attention to the significant accomplishments of some person in a way that  his or her importance is commemorated into posterity. Such a scenario may seem outrageous. But this is exactly what King Saul did for himself. In 1 Samuel 15:12, the prophet Samuel came early in the day looking for the king. To his astonishment, he was told that Saul had gone to Gilgal to “set up a monument for himself.” 

It was an act of profound arrogance. In Saul’s mind, Israel was no longer a nation set apart to worship, honor and exalt God in the earth. Instead, Israel was a tribute to himself, to his abilities and great accomplishments. People would look at the monument and immediately think of Saul and what he did for Israel. It didn’t matter that Israel had been created by God as a testament to His own glory (Isaiah 46:13). For Saul, the nation of Israel and all that it had become was all about him and his greatness as a leader. Saul had turned his ministry into a monument.

 James 4:6 warns us that “God resists the proud.” Simply stated, to be proud is to pick a fight with God. “My glory I will not give to another!” is the bold decree of God in Isaiah 42:8.  When Saul raised that monument to himself, he was taking the glory that belonged to God. Pride picks a fight with God. It provokes God to defend His glory and put man in his place by humiliating him in failure and defeat. Proverbs 8:13 says the Lord hates “Pride and arrogance.” As well, Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This was a lesson Saul was about to learn. Nothing brings blessing from God like humility and nothing brings His judgment like pride.

 Saul didn’t start out as a monument builder. When the call of God first came to Saul, he was a humble man. He was so contrite and filled with meekness that when chosen to become Israel’s king, he hid himself hoping to avoid the appointment (1 Samuel 10:22). At first, Saul was not ruled by ambition or blinded by pride. He understood his inadequacies and knew that in his own strength, he could never lead a nation. 

However, after being crowned with authority and anointing, Saul started to change. The taste of success, the sense of power over thousands, the flattery attached to status and privilege all served to inflate his ego with a perverted sense of importance. Rather than seeing himself as a servant to the people, he believed the people existed to serve his great ambitions. Sadly, this  humble farm boy who felt too inadequate to lead became so convinced of his own importance that he raised a monument to commemorate his “greatness” (1 Samuel 15:12).

In this we see a subtle danger that resides within gaining authority and anointing. It’s the tendency to think, “Because I am the leader, because I have the vision and the anointing, and because I am the one out in front, I am, therefore, the important one, the more significant one, the essential person in the organization, even more important than those who serve under me.” It is an unspoken, often subconscious feeling, but it often effects how we talk to and treat those around us. It is nothing more than pride. The dark, ugly, spiritual cancer we call pride. It spreads and metastasizes. It controls and corrupts and changes us into tyrants denying the humility of servanthood and turning our ministry into a monument to show off our own greatness.

But is Saul really that different from any of us? Don’t most of us start out in humility only to have our character corrupted by success and promotion? Don’t many of us fall to the subtle entitlements of pride?

Remember how easy it was to be humble when you were the new guy? Remember what it was like when you were just starting out in ministry? More than likely, you were willing to do anything. You could take orders, serve anyone, and do what you were told to do no matter how humiliating and demeaning it might seem to be.

But like Saul, after success sets in and “the new guy” gets promoted, after we gain authority and command over others, it becomes harder for us to take orders and do lowly tasks. Soon we start “realizing” how special and important we are. And now, those menial, insignificant things we used to do unto the Lord are somehow “beneath” us. Sweep the floor? Clean bathrooms? Carry someone’s bags? Those are for other people, less important than us. Now we have staff that does the sweeping and an entourage to carry our bags. As “Anointed Men of God” with powerful ministries, we think we need only to be concerned about those tasks that are “worthy” of our precious time and attention. And so begins the building of our monuments.

Humility is defined as an unassuming or moderate estimation of one’s abilities or achievements in relationship to one’s own importance. Paul called it a “lowliness of mind” that enables one to “esteem others better than himself” and “not think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:3).

Indeed humility is one of the most important virtues for it demonstrates not only one’s ability to overcome prideful impulses, but also his inner dependence on God.  For this reason God has promised to “give grace to the humble” and “lift him up” (James 4:6, 10).

Let us cast off the spirit of King Saul. Let us tear down these monuments we have built to our own greatness and seek rather to put all focus, all attention and all glory on the King of Kings and Lord of our lives. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth” (Psalm 115:1).

This is an excerpt from chapter four of "How The Mighty Have Fallen."  Follow this link to order your copy.

He was the most revered and powerful man in Israel. An entire army obeyed his command. No one compared in status, wealth, and respectability. Yet, by his own admission, Saul “feared the people.” As a result of this condition, God deemed the king unfit for leadership and prophesied the removal of his authority. The lesson is clear: in the Kingdom of God it is impossible to lead people when you are afraid of them.

God gave King Saul a clear vision of His will. The Amalekites were to be utterly destroyed as retribution for their mistreatment of Israel years before. Man and beast, woman and child, none were to survive. 

Apparently, en route to battle, someone had an idea: “Let’s save the plunder, sheep and oxen, and offer them as a sacrifice to God in Gilgal. And while we’re at it, let’s spare King Agag; he seems like a nice enough fellow and could be a good friend to us.” The idea had wide appeal and general consensus determined that destroying“everything” was unnecessary. The result was a new vision—one more suited to the preferences of the people.

The essence of leadership is to confront status quo and pull the people to “the place they ought to be.” It often requires the leader to challenge unhealthy cultural norms in the face of disagreement and strong resistance. Although he may be misunderstood, maligned, and even mistreated, it is in those times the leader simply must lead!

This is exactly what Saul could not do and what disqualified him from leadership. He feared the people, consented to their rebellion, and permitted Agag to live. Samuel would soon teach him that to condone wrong behavior, even tacitly, is to bear as much blame as those who commit the evil blatantly.

The nature of leadership is to stand out in front and call others to a higher place, but this spirit causes leaders to lag behind with apathy and malaise. When they should be pointing the way, challenging the prevailing attitudes of mediocrity, this spirit induces leaders to sit idly on the sidelines with hands in pocket blending into the background of status quo.

Leadership is not just having a title. It’s more than sitting on a committee. Leadership is about movement and change and influencing people toward a certain direction. To lead is to be in the “place” God wants for His people and then “pull” people into that place by the power of one’s own passion. It is having such an effect on people that they take ownership of the same attitudes, values, and convictions of the one leading them. Sadly, many believe that because they have a respected title or attend meetings that they function as a leader. They are mistaken. Pastors who fill churches but fail to produce cross-carrying disciples are not leading. Trustees who manage a place of worship but do not show people how to worship in that place are not leading. Deacons who affirm their belief in prayer but do not attend prayer meetings are not leading. Elders who “amen” their agreement with the concept of holiness but do not openly demonstrate repentance and display a passion for personal purity are not leading.

Leaders are“first.” They do not wait for an invitation or rely on encouragement from their peers. They lead. Leaders are the first ones to sacrifice, the first ones to give, the first to pray, worship, repent, and weep over sin. They are the first to serve, the first to shout “amen” and the first to the altar for deeper consecration. Leaders constantly look behind at the ranks that follow and challenge complacency by the force of their own example. They do not wait for someone else to determine the environment. They decide how the environment should be and set out to change it. Culture is every leader’s battlefield, status quo is the enemy and victory is decided by the transformational results of their influence.

True leadership can be likened to a thermostat regulating the temperature of a room. If the spiritual climate of a house grows cold, the leader turns up the heat by the intensity of his own passion and converts the environment to his own character. On the other hand, leaders having gone the way of Saul are more like thermometers. Instead of influencing the environment, they are influenced by it and conform to it. When watching the character of a Saul, one will not see a passionate example of where God is calling His body to; instead, one will see a mere reflection of the tired lukewarmness that has gripped the community and is destroying it.

It’s time to confront the spirit of Saul in the church today. It’s time to slay the Agags and slaughter the sheep and lead the people into full obedience of the Word of God. Will some people reject  this standard? Certainly! Will some people leave and find another king to follow? You can count on it. But the people who stay will be those who are serious. There may only be twelve of them. But with twelve disciples, sold out for Christ, you can turn the world upside down!

“Those who have been once intoxicated with power, and have derived any kind of emolument from it, never can willingly abandon it.” - Edmund Burke

Saul was obsessed with establishing his greatness. But the price  of his ambition was the abuse of the people he was called to serve. He wanted a  dynasty, an empire that would stand for ages to come. He wanted a name that all  the earth would adore and revere. But to do this, he exploited his people. He  forbade them from eating, resting, or tending to their own needs until his victory was sure. In fact, he pronounced a curse upon any who refused to  cooperate. It mattered not how distressed, fatigued, or hungry they were. All  that mattered was his ambition. Driven by a perverted vision of greatness, Saul believed that Israel existed to serve him rather than him for it. Instead of esteeming the people as a trust God had given him to shepherd and protect, he  saw them as things to use to fulfill his own lust for success. 

Sadly, the same self-serving spirit that drove King Saul is a force growing more common in the body of Christ: Christian leaders using their office, not to glorify God or edify His people, but to promote themselves. At first glance it appears their cause is noble. They seem to be serving people and  advancing the Kingdom of God; but closer examination reveals something different. There is a subtle tendency to manipulate others, to control and use them like objects to advance the leader’s ambition. 
 
Corruption is the abuse of public office or position for private gain.  It is when something good turns bad. It is when good leaders, who begin with noble intentions, become enticed and corrupted by selfish opportunities.  They cease to use their authority to serve the public good and, instead, use their position to better themselves, solicit favors, amass wealth, promote friends and family, and leverage power to themselves. This is what happened to Saul. He used his authority as a means to achieve his own ambitions.

There is no greater protection a leader has against corruption than the heart of a servant. This is one reason why Jesus made it a prerequisite for leaders in the Kingdom of God.  He knew that in a very short time, after His ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, thousands would be saved and the disciples would be given charge over large sums of money.  Acts 4 tells how “…all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:34-35).  Clearly, because the apostles saw themselves as servants of the people, they were able to distribute these assets without acting like Judas who was a “‘thief’…and used to take what was put in the money bag for his own use” (John 12:6).  
 
Leadership is a trust given to us by those we lead. Never should it be used for one’s own benefit or personal advancement.  That would be an abuse of one’s authority.  Every decision, action, and reaction should be meant for the advancement and betterment of those we serve and the organization we represent.

If one aspires to leadership out of a desire for power, recognition, or control, he or she is aspiring for the wrong reason.  Our ministry will be polluted with impure motives and defiled by worldly ambition. What’s worse is it will be void of God’s blessing and will actually draw down His curse. James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud.”  Proverbs 16:18 tell us that “Pride goes before destruction, and a  haughty spirit before a fall.”   Self promotion provokes God to move against us and pull our ministry down.  Humility, on the other hand,  invokes God’s blessing and rich provision.

“Never is integrity more on trial than when one is out of sync with his leader. Loyalty in times of disagreement is the truest test of character.”
 
Never is one’s character more on display than when he is out of sync with his leader. It may be a season of patiently waiting; it may be an issue of disagreement; it could even be a matter of disrespect and contempt that one holds toward his authority.  It any event, it is how one responds to his authorities in times of disparity that reveals the true quality of his or her character.

True submission is demonstrated, not in times of agreement, but in seasons of disagreement.  In fact, there is no expression of submission without the context of disagreement.  Without disagreement, submission is merely compliance. There is no need to restrain one’s impulse or force one’s obedience; one needs only to agree with that which he already views favorable.

On the contrary, it is one’s ability to resist that surge of disagreement rising in one’s heart—it is that discipline to quell an impulse of assertiveness against the leader that proves true submission and the presence of  real humility.

Consider David before he became king.  No one was more wrong than King Saul and no one was more right than David (1 Samuel 18).  In fact, Saul was spiteful, bitter and influenced by evil spirits.  David, on the other hand, was singing psalms and killing Philistines.  But David never lifted his hand against his authority.  The one time David did act against him, he felt great remorse and publicly repented (1 Samuel 24:6).  
 
In those times when the authority is wrong, God is not looking for your help. He is more than able to work all things according to His will. More often, God is trying to work out issues of character in His future leaders—issues such as submission, humility, and faithfulness. Sometimes He does that by putting you under a Saul.

This is not to say, however, that Christians should never disagree with or challenge the authorities over them. Spiritual leaders are not authoritarian demigods wielding absolute power in the name of Christ; they are mere people—infallible flesh that often makes mistakes and exercises severe lapses in judgment. As such, there are times when leaders should be challenged. The question is “how” such authorities can be challenged without compromising our own humility and sense of integrity.

 If you have a concern, there are ways to address it righteously. 

The first way is through intercessory warfare. Pray! God may have burdened your spirit with an issue or given you insight on a matter—not so you can call everyone on the phone and tell them what the authority is doing wrong—but so you can pray with fervor, wisdom, and divine unction. Ezekiel 22:31 says that God is seeking for men and women to stand in the gap. He is looking for intercessors to pray. The way He finds them is by burdening them with revelation and seeing who will be faithful to call down His will. It is my conviction that no one has a right to speak on a matter, criticize a leader, or canvass for change until they have first spent ample time covering the matter in prayer, interceding for His will, and checking their own attitude.

Secondly, submit your concern to your spiritual authority with a right spirit. If you must, go to your pastor—but go with a humble, submissive attitude. Instead of being forceful, be teachable. Ask him to help you understand why “such and such” is being permitted or if he has considered another perspective. Many times, a pastor will reject a suggestion out of hand because of the spirit in which it was presented. Conversely, if you present an idea with meekness, he will be more inclined to accept it because it has a quality of godliness and goodwill upon it.

Thirdly, refrain from using the phrase “God told me to tell you” or “God showed me.” Clearly, scripture does show that God speaks to people today, and you may sincerely believe He is speaking to you. But, the wise communicator understands such statements can seem manipulative. In other words, some so-called “prophets” assert divine authority to compel others into agreement. They are removing any option for disagreement—and if one does disagree, the prophet can salvage his self-respect by labeling that one as ignorant and unspiritual. If your word really is from God, let the wisdom and  power of the word speak for itself. Why should anyone need to be convinced of its authenticity or intimidated into accepting it as “a word from God?” Instead, follow the words of James 3:17 that says, “the wisdom from above is peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated.”

Ambitious and aspiring leaders must be very careful when opposing spiritual authority. You may sincerely want to correct a wrong.  Perhaps you truly have heard from God and want to assert your revelation. Maybe you are wiser and better equipped than those who are authorities over you.  But beware, the situation before you may not be as obvious as you think. It may seem like Samuel is late and it’s up to you to offer a sacrifice; but it could actually be a test designed by God to purge you of spiritual presumption and reveal if you are qualified for greater promotion.

“Never is integrity more on trial than when one is out of sync with his leader. Loyalty in times of disagreement is the truest test of character.”

Samuel the prophet delayed. He was late.  Samuel failed to fulfill his responsibility; at least that was what Saul thought. So the king felt entitled to take initiative, usurp the command of his spiritual leader and act on his own initiative. See 1 Samuel
13:8-14.

Eventually, when Samuel arrived he declared, “You have done foolishly!” Further, the prophet Samuel announced that
Saul’s kingdom wouldsoon come to an end. Because of his foolish mistake, God revoked the king’s authority and would raise another to replace him.

What did he do that was so terrible? What sin had Saul committed that was so heinous in the sight of God that it brought about harsh condemnation and swift rejection? Was it greed or adultery? Was it idolatry or murder? No, but it was something equally destructive for leaders in the Kingdom of God: Saul usurped the authority of his leader. 

Never is one’s character more on display than when he is out of sync with his leader. It may be a season of patiently waiting; it may be an issue of disagreement; it could even be a matter of disrespect and contempt that one holds toward his authority. It any event, it is how one responds to his authorities in times of disparity that reveals the true quality of his or her character.

“But I’m under God’s authority!” This is the foremost objection people raise against submitting toward human authority. Because of their relationship with God or close communion to His presence, they feel that submission to a man is beneath them. However, nothing can be further from the truth. 

Anyone can be humble before God; however, true humility is not demonstrated until we humble ourselves before man. Hebrews 13:17 commands: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive.” Andrew Murray wrote: “It's easy to think that we are humble before God, but our humility toward others is the proof that our humility before God is real.”  In other words, God is not impressed when you humble yourself before Him. Any fool can do that. What impresses God is one’s willingness to humble himself before other people.  This is especially true when those people seem less powerful, less talented, less intelligent, and less capable

Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the example of our Lord. Jesus said of Himself, “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). No one had more power, more ability than Jesus Christ the Son of God, but He humbled Himself and submitted His will to the will of man. Meekness isn’t weakness; it is strength under control. Meekness is the awareness that one is strong and talented and capable but chooses not to act on that strength or assert his ability in deference to the will and wishes of another—usually his leader.

“But how can I submit when the authority over me is wrong?” Anyone can submit when he or she is in agreement with their leader.  Saul could have easily obeyed Samuel had Samuel been doing what he was supposed to be doing; it was Samuel’s absence and perceived dereliction of duty that tested the sincerity of Saul’s submission.

True submission is demonstrated, not in times of agreement, but in seasons of disagreement.  In fact, there is no expression of submission without the context of disagreement.  Without disagreement, submission is merely compliance.  There is no need to restrain one’s impulse or force one’s obedience; one needs only to agree with that which he already views favorable.

On the contrary, it is one’s ability to resist that surge of disagreement rising in one’s heart—it is that discipline to quell an impulse of assertiveness against the leader that proves true submission and the presence of real humility.

Consider David before he became king. No one was more wrong than King Saul and no one was more right than David
(1 Samuel 18). In fact, Saul was spiteful, bitter and influenced by evil spirits.  David, on the other hand, was singing psalms and killing Philistines. But David never lifted his hand against his authority. The one time David did act against him, he felt great remorse and publicly repented (1 Samuel 24:6). In those times when the authority is wrong, God is not looking for your help. He is more than able to work all things according to His will. More often, God is trying to work out issues of character in His future leaders—issues such as submission, humility, and faithfulness. Sometimes He does that by putting you under a Saul.

This is not to say, however, that Christians should never disagree with or challenge the authorities over them. Spiritual leaders are not authoritarian demigods wielding absolute power in the name of Christ; they are mere people—infallible flesh that often makes mistakes and exercises severe lapses in judgment. As such, there are times when leaders should be challenged. The question is “how” such authorities can be challenged without compromising our own humility and sense of integrity. 
 
In my next blog I will provide practical steps in how to address concerns with authorities while maintaining a submissive and respectful attitude.

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“The worst thing that can happen to a man is for him to succeed before he is ready.” - Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones

“Give us king!” demanded Israel. Saul was not what God wanted for Israel, but He gave them their king anyway.

It begs the question: Does God place people in leadership before it is His perfect timing to do so? Will God anoint someone even though their character has not been prepared to support that anointing? Unfortunately, it happens all the time. Both history and scripture are filled with examples of those who, despite lack of preparation or maturity, were elevated prematurely and, consequently, were ruined by that promotion.

THE ENAMOR OF ANOINTING

The people made an assumption about Saul. Undoubtedly they supposed that because he was anointed by God, he must be credible. They supposed, “If he wasn’t good, God wouldn’t anoint him. So let’s give him a crown, sit him on a throne and bow to his authority.” Big mistake.

Simply stated, the “anointing” is nothing more than God putting His hand upon someone or something and using them to fulfill His purpose at a given time.  It implies no validation of character or proof of credibility except that God willed to use it to serve His purpose for that moment. In fact, God has been known to anoint some rather dubious things despite their questionable character. He anointed a donkey and made it preach.  Balaam was anointed and he had Moab in his heart. Samson was anointed and fornicated with Philistines. Judas was anointed while he was stealing money from Jesus’ purse. Caiaphas was anointed to prophesy while plotting the crucifixion. Even the rocks can be anointed to cry out if God so desires.

The longer I live, the less impressed I am with the anointing.  What I’m more impressed with is character. Why? Because more and more, we are seeing gifted, talented, anointed leaders who, because of their “anointing,” are promoted beyond what their character can sustain.

THE LURE OF CHARISMA

Saul was promoted for one reason: he looked good. Scripture describes him as being “choice and handsome” and “there was not a more handsome person among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.” Israel wanted a king who had strong outward appeal who could legitimize them before other nations.  Sadly, God gave them what they wanted: a king whose only good quality was how he looked on the outside.

Israel’s infatuation with Saul betrays a disturbing truth of what humanity often values in leadership. More often, we admire leaders for their charisma and style rather than their character and substance.

Character? Integrity? Ethics? These don’t really matter. All that matters is “Can you make me feel good? Can you affirm me, meet my need, tell me happy stories and make me laugh? If you have that kind of charisma, you’ll go right to the top!”

What we need is revival. Not a revival of healing or prophesy or supernatural signs. Nor do we need a televised pseudo-revival that fosters hyped-up spiritualism driven by celebrities and techno worship. What we need is a revival of character—a genuine move of God that returns the church to simple values like integrity, humility, and holiness—especially in leaders.

THE CRY OF THE CROWD

Like Saul, good leaders will have many good opportunities to be promoted. There will always be a group of people in search of a new leader who offers them the hope of a better future. The challenge for the leader is to distinguish a “good” opportunity from the “right” opportunity. Just because the crowd is cheering and an offer is appealing, does not mean it is right. In fact, these offers can often be ploys of the devil to move one out of God’s will.

Good opportunities are not always right opportunities. Each person must be able to look past the cry of the crowd and hear the leading of God. Missing this can be devastating. For if it is true that the will of God never leads you where the grace of God cannot keep you, then it is also true that moving out of God’s will also moves you away from that grace that sustains you. There will be conflicts God never intended you to confront, temptations for which God never planned a way of escape, threats, attacks, and dangers for which you have never been prepared to encounter.

DOES THE DEVIL HAVE AN INTEREST IN YOUR PROMOTION?

 If you are eager to be promoted, if you feel that your gifting or ability entitles you to a higher office, I offer this word of caution: The devil may have in interest in your promotion. The enemy may have a foothold on something in your life and he knows that as you are enlarged, his foothold will become a stronghold that he can exploit to ruin the work of God.

Knowing this, the devil may be manipulating circumstances and urging you to canvass for promotion. But don’t outrun the perfect timing of God! While it is true that you have great abilities, there may be things in your heart that God is trying to purge. He may be holding you down in humility to cleanse your heart of pride, or exposing areas of impurity to rid your mind of lust. He may be keeping you in want to drive away covetousness. Remember, whatever greatness you are destined for, God must first enlarge your character to support that greatness. Too many, having been promoted prematurely, have been top heavy in their success only to fall and bring destruction on themselves, their families, and the Kingdom of God.

Therefore, I hope you will have the courage to pray the prayer of the humble. Rather than pleading for promotion, our prayer should be: “Lord do not allow me to be promoted beyond what my character will be able to support. Lord, prevent my advancement, shut the door on my ambitions until my heart has been prepared to withstand the temptations, struggles, and pressures that such advancement will certainly bring. Amen.”

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