1 Samuel 9:15-27

​​Do you display or act with false humility?

Perceive: As part of their search for lost donkeys, Saul and his servant seek help from Samuel the prophet. Unexpectedly, Saul learns he has an incredible opportunity to be Israel’s first king. His initial reaction reveals a lot about his character and competence. After hearing Samuel’s commissioning speech he says, “Why do you say such a thing to me?” which demonstrates his feelings of inferiority. From his beginning what he said and did was selfish and laced with false humility. Although God called Saul and gave him a mission in life, he constantly struggled with jealousy, insecurity, arrogance, impulsiveness, and deceit. He was a half-heart in his commitment to God and His Word.
 
Practice: Real humility leads a person to be curious about and concerned for others. Humility is putting others first in thought, word, and deed.  It resists the temptation to be preoccupied with self. CS Lewis once said, "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
 
Pray: Lord, help me to live in obedience, knowing that whatever you call me to do, I need to do wholeheartedly as though I am serving you and not man. Help me identify the times in my life I have thought of myself and not put others first.

​This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

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