“When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a band of men whose hearts God had touched became his constant companions. But there were some wicked men who complained, "How can this man save us?" And they despised him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them."NLT”
1 Sam.10.26- 27;
Discussion
Samuel had just anointed Saul to be king of Israel. This was a breakthrough moment for Saul, his family, the tribe of Benjamin, and all Israel. Saul went out in search of his father's donkeys, but came back the anointed king of Israel. Something notable happened right after Samuel announced Saul as the new king of Israel; a group of men became his constant companions. These became his immediate servants and guards. The bible clearly states that God touched their hearts. It wasn't something they were forced or begged to do. I want you to know that for every assignment God anoints you to carry out, there are men whose hearts God has touched to follow you and work with you to accomplish all that God has sent you to do. These will not follow you by coercion but by conviction. If you try to force people to follow you, you will get an unwilling crowd on your side. They may be with you physically, but their hearts aren't with you. You need men whose hearts are with you, and only God can make this happen. This applies to church leaders, entrepreneurs and business managers as well. There are staff that will work with you with all their hearts, while others will be there in body but their hearts are far from you and your company. Trust God to send you employees whose hearts are with you. Notice something else; there was another group of people who were referred to as wicked men. They complained about Saul's ordination. They reproached him and despised him.
They wouldn't submit to him because they thought he wasn't qualified to lead them. Maybe they had better education than Saul had. Or they had superior qualifications. You know how to deal with this group? IGNORE THEM. Saul went with those whose hearts God had touched to follow him, and he ignored those who despised him. Likewise, there are those who see no reason why you should be promoted above them. They despise you, scoff at you and resist you. Never let this group bother you. Don't lose sleep over their behaviour. When you try so hard to get the support of this group, you are at risk of compromising God's call upon your life. You may get distracted and derail from God's assignment or the responsibilities committed to you at your duty post. This eventually happened to king Saul. Beware of those whose response is to despise you because God chose you. Don't engage them...ignore them. Focus on the work ahead and allow those whose hearts God has touched to serve with you as God has led them.
Shalom Uvracha!
Meditation
Prov 4:25; — Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” NLT