When the Call to Be King Becomes the Trap: Lessons from Saul

There are moments in our journey—moments in the field, moments in the study room, moments even here in the quiet of our own homes—when the whispers of self-sufficiency get loud. We start to feel like we have the answers, that our own efforts, our own preparation, are enough to carry the weight of the gospel. We start to build our own little kingdoms.

It’s a dangerous place to settle, isn't it? Because the Lord has given us a Father who is infinitely more capable, and who desires that we rely on His Spirit, not our own perceived strength.

I was listening to a recent discussion about 1 Samuel, and the pattern that emerged was striking. We hear about Israel moving from the humble, divinely guided structure of the Judges toward the allure of kingship. It’s a natural human impulse—to want visible leadership, a single figurehead, a guarantee of stability. But the narrative is a heartbreaking warning: when we try to build our own structure of authority, or when we let the *idea* of success become more important than the *process* of discipleship, we risk becoming Saul.

The Danger of Self-Reliance

Saul’s story isn't just a historical footnote; it’s a masterclass in how easily we can drift. He starts with genuine desire, but the pressure, the expectation, and the intoxicating feeling of *power* cause him to stray from the counsel of the Lord. He acts on his own initiative, believing he knows better than the established pattern of divine guidance. He starts to build his own "kingdom" of reputation.

As we serve, whether we are preparing for a mission, serving in a callings, or even just engaging in our daily lives as internet missionaries, we face this constant tension. We want to *do* the work. We want to *see* results. We want to be the indispensable person. But the Spirit whispers a gentler truth: the power is never in the plan, but in the *obedience* to the plan.

The most profound moments in the gospel—the ones that truly sustain us—are when we remember that we are not meant to be the architects of our own success. We are conduits for the Spirit. We are taught to stay “little in our own sight,” a phrase that echoes so strongly when we are feeling capable, when we feel like we've finally "gotten it."

A Bite-Sized Skill: Identifying the "King Complex"

If you’re feeling the pull to take charge, to solve every problem, or to feel indispensable in your calling, pause. Ask yourself: Am I acting out of genuine love for the Savior, or am I acting out of a desire to *be seen* as the Savior’s representative? When you feel the urge to "fix" a situation before the right counsel has been given, take a breath. Remember that the Lord often works through the quiet, through the patient counsel of a companion, or through the simple act of listening.

This week, as you study, pay attention to moments where characters *over-rely* on their own judgment. Contrast that with the moments where they pause, wait for direction, or humbly ask for help. That contrast is where the Spirit speaks loudest.

For those of us who are in missionary preparation, this is vital. Don't let the excitement of the field make you think you already know everything. The best missionaries are those who are most teachable, most willing to admit, "I don't know, can you help me understand that?"

I encourage you to listen to the full episode of the podcast where Dr. Wright discusses this. It’s a rich dive into how Saul’s pride clouded his judgment, and how the Spirit always guides us back to humility.

As always, the journey of discipleship is best taken together. If you are feeling the call to dig deeper into these themes—the contrast between human ambition and divine guidance—I highly recommend checking out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces. There are some wonderful discussions brewing around covenant keeping that will really resonate with this week's themes.

Stay diligent, brothers and sisters. Keep your focus on Christ, and let the Spirit guide the way.