Are you a leader who can claim victory with restraint?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 11. I've titled this chapter "The First Test of Saul’s Leadership."

At this point in the story, Saul has defeated his first enemy. Nahash and the Ammonite army. But now he has to deal with a battle within. Here is the text in verses 12-13:

Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.” — 1 Samuel 11:12-13

So what happens here is a truism about leadership: One test of leadership leads to another. For the leader, the tests never end. If you lead, you will encounter challenges from outside and inside opposition that will test you continually. They will test not only your abilities, skills, and talents but also your character, integrity, and in whom you trust.

At this moment, Saul could have used this momentum to put down his dissenters, but he didn't. He regulated his desire and restrained himself because he understood something that some of the people failed to see—it was not his strategy, strength, or skill that worked salvation in Israel—it was the Lord. This is a remarkably humble statement from Saul. He did not always make declarations like this, but here, Saul's understanding of humility and trust in leadership is inspiring.

Believers who lead must have an undivided understanding that God is the ultimate leader. God is the King. If we truly submit to this belief, then when we encounter his salvation, it's his salvation. But this is where many spiritual leaders get it wrong. They conflate the salvation gained with something provided by their abilities, skills, and talents. As soon as a leader does this, they become king in their mind, and they will do anything to protect and preserve this, including putting down dissenters.

Today, if you sense you have made too much of yourself in a current situation or recent win, take another look at that situation. Review how you responded and what you thought of yourself. Instead of thinking so much of yourself, think about what God did and what he did that you could not do. Then if you failed to give glory to God, do that now. Thank him and celebrate him and the King. Maybe the next time you win, see the win as God's win, not yours, and lead faithfully through the daily tests that all leaders encounter.

#LeadershipLessons, #HumbleLeadership, #TrustInGod

1. In what areas of your life or leadership have you taken credit for a victory that truly belonged to God, and how can you redirect that credit to Him today?
2. How can you cultivate humility and trust in God’s guidance in your daily leadership, especially when faced with internal and external challenges?

Believe God is King, and you are not.

Lord, help me to recognize and celebrate Your hand in every victory, remembering that it is Your strength and not my own. Grant me the humility to lead with integrity and to trust in Your ultimate leadership. Amen.

King of Kings.