| 1 Samuel 13:1-14
Pride is a condition that’s common to all mankind. It doesn’t matter our age, ability, social status, or culture—we’re all prone to exhibit aspects of this self-promoting attitude.
As Israel’s first king, Saul was to lead by following God’s instructions under the power of the Holy Spirit. To be successful, he needed to remember two things: Any authority he had came from the Lord, and his responsibilities included executing God’s plan, leading the people by example, and obeying divine commands. But like so many of us today, Saul acted as if he were in charge rather than the Lord. Because of prideful self-reliance, he broke God’s commandment and exercised priestly duties, which were not rightly his.
You may be thinking this doesn’t apply to you since you don’t have a high position. But in reality, you do. As Christians, we’ve been chosen to be God’s people (1 Pet. 2:9), and He has special work for each of us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). That’s why His Holy Spirit dwells within believers: to guide and empower us for our part in the divine plan.
Do you sometimes think your way is better than God’s? Independence flows from pride, but a humble heart lives in complete reliance upon God.
Bible in One Year: Judges 13-15 |
