Power can come from a position and title, but authority comes from a matured and seasoned character, obedience, walking in humility, and not “self-glorying” in God’s appointment/ anointing.

A good, close study of the life of Saul will reveal a pattern of a terrible, unmistakable cycle of inferiority, emotional hurt and the devastating downward spiral into disobedience to God which resulted in him losing the leadership that he had in his kingdom!

Saul became the king and father/ leader of the nation, but he was an exceptionally insecure father.

As a father and leader he radiated his insecure spirit upon the sons and people whom he led. He was demanding, mean and expected perfection. Or else!

He was an impressive figure and was much taller than many men around him. This filled him with pride, arrogance and a self-righteous spirit.

But these were only the outward strengths that defined who he was. Underneath the strong shoulders of this tall, impressive leader was a heart that boiled with jealousy, rage, insecurity and fear.

His insecurities were so deep, so deeply rooted in the foundations of his personality, that if he sensed any hint of greatness in others around him, or anyone who might challenge his requests or plans, he took it as a serious threat to his own position and title in the nation.

When David the shepherd boy began to blossom in leadership skills, the prophetic song, and the music of heaven, along with a rugged handsomeness, Saul gave in to an iniquity of rage and jealously, even throwing his spear at David!

Huh? What’s that weird word “iniquity” supposed to be saying?

Based on the teaching of Jesus and other passages of Scripture, iniquity is “doing our own will instead of God’s will”, even if our own will *appears* to be “doing good.”

APPEARS… but knowing there’s a seething and hidden, gurgling volcano in the corrupt and selfish individual, ready to spew lava or “throw a spear” when this false benevolence and play acting doesn’t manipulate the power and presence of God to their advantage.

Jesus said: “Not every one that says to me, “LORD! LORD!” will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but only those that do the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, “LORD! LORD?” have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have we not cast out devils? and in your name we’ve done many wonderful works?
And then, I will speak clearly to them. “I never knew YOU! (intimately) Go away, from me, you that work and with craftiness and wicked iniquity” Matthew 7:21–23.

The definition of iniquity as “doing our own will” is confirmed in Isaiah 53:6:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Saul was an insecure King and father and he took things and people into his own hands, even visiting a witch to see if he could get God to speak to him in a way that would validate his “wants and ways” to do things!

Because of this willful disobedience and crafty operating, Saul lost the authority he was called to walk in.

LOST IT.

Was disqualified.

“Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king,” 1 Samuel 15:23.

Saul can be seen as a representative example of what many are expressing in leadership today.

Obedience to the Word of the LORD is what establishes us as fathers/mothers in the faith to train and cultivate maturity in God’s people.

Rejection of God’s counsel which comes through the Word of the LORD will lead to God’s rejection of our leadership.

Saul remained in office, but, was stripped of his authority.

So! What are the ingredients of an inferiority complex?

Independence … Jealousy… Pride … Fear of man … Insecurities… Disobedience… Dominating over others in your care… Disrespect and Verbal Raging… Overbearing Correction…

If we don’t deal with our emotional hurts in God’s way, they will lead us to a willful independence away from God, which then produces an unholy UGLY pride.

Pride is much more concerned about what people think of us than what God thinks of us, which results in the fear of man. The fear of man ultimately leads to disobedience!

Some of the most wounded leaders in the faith are also some of the most proud and independent people. Emotional injuries can make us vulnerable to this vicious inferiority complex and no one is immune!

Will yourself to forgive!

You don’t have to like anyone who has violated you! But, releasing them, cutting away from the enmeshed emotions that keep you bound to the situations they harmed you in gives you fresh perspective!

We learn that still allowing love and forgiveness (in spite of being hurt) is very important. It’s taking the higher road, the straighter path to recovery.

You won’t “cower in fear to the throwing of the spear” anymore, when strong and harsh personalities attempt to minimize you. 🚫 No!

You instantly have an intuitive “knowing” that this kind of bullying and intimidation is about the person accusing you or is an attempt to shift the blame or poor behaviors that they have…. onto a victim.

The LORD sees and knows the condition of every leader or teacher and manager on this planet. And, He’s given every single one of them ample opportunities to address their tempers, their moodiness, demands for perfectionism and hidden insecurities.

Eventually, the exposure of these thing will painfully take place. The LORD will continue to separate the sheep from the stubborn headed goats. Leaders are absolutely included in this separation.

Those who fear being caught in the fray or the crosshairs of conflict need to hear these words.

”Receive the embrace from the Father in heaven who loves you!”

Let’s be like the ultimate humble King Jesus who modeled obedience and spoke these words;

“But I pass no judgment without consulting the Father. I judge as I am told. And My judgment is absolutely fair and just, for it is according to the will of God who sent Me and is not merely my own.” John 5:30.

 

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!

” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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