Reflection from the life of King Saul

Dear friends, this reflection is about King Saul. His story is extracted from the Bible, 1 Samuel 9 – 15.

The prophet Samuel anointed Saul was the first king under the command of the LORD. Saul was the first king in the land of Israel. Judges or delivers ruled for a few hundred years. The last judge / deliver is the prophet Samuel. Many nations surrounding Israel have kings yet the king in Israel under the lordship of their LORD God.

Saul has no experience to rule as a king. He has no experience as a judge. He lacked expertise as a commander. He did not have the experience of hearing from the LORD God of Israel personally. But he has the prophet Samuel.

Samuel had the Word of the LORD God of Israel. He was a judge/deliverer. He subdued the Philistines. He was a prophet. He knew the Covenant of the LORD God of Israel. He was a man of experience.

Yet why Saul did not take advantage of Samuel’s treasuries as he embarked on the journey of becoming the first king of Israel? He made serious blunders. He was given a second chance but he went his own way which led to the lost of kingdom and family.

I remember my coach, John Ng, president of Eagles Leadership Institute Singapore says, “A position does not make one a leader instantly. It is the person that makes good the position.”

Let us remember a promotion is recognition of our current capability, and our new responsibilities will stretch us further. It takes humility, a tough choice to exercise humility by asking for help, especially from the peers or subordinates.  Some may it a challenge to ask the seniors of the same organization. Is there no risk of me asking the seniors or my peers after my promotion? Politics at the workplace call us to exercise wisdom and discernment on whom to ask.   

Have we looked outside of the organization?

Today world is dynamically complex; it is wise to look out for mentors, coaches who have travelled before us, especially in the journey of exercising leadership and management-ship in the corporate world. There is little room for mistake in that place.

Let us learn from king Saul.

You may gain more by seeking the wisdom of the mentors and coaches.

 

In my days, they are called elders.

 

Today, I seek out my elder mentors on life important matters: life long relationships, career choices and challenges of life. I have peer-to-peer mentors on similar matters. And my life is enriched by their insights and wisdom shared with me.

Go look out for mentors and coaches, wisely.