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).

“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.

Or you can purchase "How The Mighty Have Fallen" to learn more

“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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