Saul has a few other
weaknesses besides insecurity. He’s an
outstanding example of what NOT to do in leadership.
1 Samuel 13, opens with an
account of Jonathan, Saul’s son, leading a successful attack on the
Philistines, Israel’s enemies.
When Saul hears the news of
his son’s victory he decides to use it to his advantage…
“Soon after this, Jonathan attacked and
defeated the garrison of Philistines at Geba.
The news spread quickly among the Philistines. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the
land, saying, ‘Hebrews, hear this! Rise up in revolt!’ All Israel heard the news that Saul had
destroyed the Philistine garrison at Geba and that the Philistines now hated
the Israelites more than ever. So the
entire arm was summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.” 1
Samuel 13:3-4 (NLT)
Did you catch that? The part that says, “…All Israel heard the
news that SAUL had destroyed the Philistine garrison….”
But doesn’t the story start
by telling us JONATHAN defeated the Philistines?
So Saul, the anointed king of
Israel, takes credit for his son’s triumph, then uses it to his advantage to
rally his army around him.
Before we’re too hard on
Saul, I want to share what the commentary notes in my study bible say about
this chapter. It does indicate that it
was normal in this cultural context for Saul to take credit for his son’s
victory.
But does that make it right
for us today?
Do you know a leader who’s
stolen someone else’s idea and used it to climb the corporate ladder? Maybe someone’s taken credit for your own
work and you’re left choking on the bitter taste of betrayal.
If you’re in a leadership
position today, always remember to give credit to the person with whom an idea
originates.
Saul’s Leadership Lesson #1…
Don’t take credit away from someone
else. Always give credit where it’s due!
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