The Leadership of Saul: A Cautionary Tale
This month of March, we have been exploring the theme of servant leadership—a leadership model rooted in humility, service, and trust in God’s plan. Through books, videos, and biblical accounts, we have examined the leadership journeys of three kings: Saul, David, and Absalom. Each of these men ruled Israel, but their leadership styles differed significantly. While one clung to power through fear, another led with a heart of service, and the last sought leadership through rebellion.
Saul, Israel’s first king, started his reign with promise but soon allowed jealousy, insecurity, and a hunger for power to consume him. Instead of serving the people, Saul sought to serve himself. When David began to rise as a capable leader, Saul saw him as a threat rather than a successor. His obsession with remaining king led him to attempt murder, consult witches, and ultimately lose God’s favor. Saul’s leadership teaches us an important lesson: when we hold on to power with clenched fists, we push away God’s presence and destroy ourselves in the process.
Reflection on Saul’s Leadership
As a leader, I have encountered people who, like Saul, try to maintain their positions through intimidation rather than service. I have also seen how fear of being replaced can drive individuals to act irrationally. Saul’s story reminds me to never allow fear or insecurity to dictate my leadership. True leadership is about raising others, not suppressing them.
David: The Heart of a Servant Leader
In contrast, David’s leadership was marked by humility, patience, and unwavering trust in God. Even when Saul unjustly pursued him, David refused to harm him, demonstrating that a servant leader does not take matters into their own hands. Instead, David waited for God’s timing, believing that leadership is a calling, not a conquest.
David also displayed deep faithfulness and integrity. As king, he made mistakes, but he always repented and sought to align himself with God’s will. He led Israel not for his own gain, but for the people and for God’s glory.
Reflection on David’s Leadership
David’s example challenges me in my own leadership journey. There are times when I have wanted to fight back when wronged or prove my worth in certain positions. However, David’s patience teaches me that God fights for those who trust Him. Leadership is not about rushing ahead, but about being faithful in the small things, even when no one is watching.
Absalom: The Dangers of Rebellion
Unlike David, Absalom sought power for himself. He was charismatic, persuasive, and knew how to gain people’s favor. However, his heart was not submitted to God. Instead of honoring his father, David, he manipulated, deceived, and ultimately led a rebellion that ended in his tragic downfall.
Absalom represents a leader who prioritizes ambition over servanthood. While confidence and boldness can be valuable, when they are fueled by pride, they lead to destruction rather than impact.
Reflection on Absalom’s Leadership
There have been moments in my life when I have desired recognition and leadership positions without fully submitting to the process. Absalom’s story is a reminder that cutting corners to rise quickly can lead to a disastrous fall. Leadership should never be about self-promotion, but about serving with the right motives and waiting on God’s perfect timing.
Application: Becoming a Servant Leader
Studying these three kings has profoundly shaped my perspective on leadership. As I apply these lessons to my life, I am committing to the following principles:
- Humility over Pride: Like David, I will serve faithfully in every season, trusting that God will elevate me at the right time.
- Patience over Impulsiveness: I will not rush ahead in my leadership journey but will wait on God’s direction rather than striving for quick success.
- Service over Self-Promotion: True leadership is not about being seen but about genuinely caring for others. I will prioritize lifting others rather than seeking status.
- Trust over Fear: I will not let insecurity or fear dictate my decisions, as Saul did. Instead, I will trust that God is in control and that I don’t have to fight for what He has already planned for me.
- Submission over Rebellion: Instead of seeking power through shortcuts like Absalom, I will honor the leaders above me and grow in wisdom and character before stepping into greater responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Servant leadership is counter-cultural—it is not about status, power, or recognition, but about humility, faithfulness, and trusting in God’s process. From the tragic downfall of Saul, to the inspiring patience of David, to the reckless ambition of Absalom, we see that leadership is ultimately about the heart.
I choose to lead with a heart like David’s—one that is after God’s own heart, devoted to service, and surrendered to His will.