Impatience. Like most leaders, Saul is driven to get things done. For him, “waiting” equates to wasted time and missed opportunities. But impatience can be our downfall if it keeps us from listening to God.
Control. Closely related to Saul’s impatience is his desire to be in control. He wants to make the decision and dictate the flow of the battle. When leaders insist on control, they ask God to bless decisions they’ve already made rather than asking God to guide them.
Self-reliance. The first two mistakes are compounded by Saul’s belief that victory is within his grasp, with or without God. The best leaders are confident, but not over-confident. They combine personal humility with confidence in God’s power and provision.
Interestingly, the army of Israel experienced an overwhelming victory that day. But for Saul, it was a classic case of winning the battle yet losing the war. The pattern of impatience, control, and self-reliance would eventually cause God to remove the kingship from him and to give it to a young man who had a “heart after God.” When you look in the mirror, do you see any of the mistakes that crippled Saul?
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Mike
