Lessons From Saul

Been reading in I Samuel and I'm always fascinated by Saul.  Saul who had the potential, skill, and talent to be King.  He even had the favor of God.  But reading about Saul is a lesson in a struggle that we all have:  the struggle between being self-sufficient and God-sufficient.  There were times when Saul was filled with the Spirit and accomplished great things.  However, other times he takes matter into his own hands, presumes upon God, and is ruled by his own intrepretation or by his pride.

• I heard a great quote yesterday that summarizes this:  we can live by "powerless effort or effortless power".


• Success can increase our tendency to be self-sufficient and think we need God less.


• I'm reading a Puritan prayer book that puts it like this --
  
  
  
  • "God save me from self-opinion and self-seeking ... keep me from self-importance."
  
  
  
  


• Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:  "It's not about me (you or us)."