Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14, NIV.
You’ve probably heard the quote, “Having a strong end is more important than having a perfect beginning.” Do you agree?
When we look at the beginning of Saul’s story, it becomes clear that there was much more to Saul than failure. His story didn’t start in rebellion or pride—it began with humility, reverence, and promise.
A HUMBLE BEGINNING
- When Saul first appears in Scripture, he is a respectful and humble young man. He worked faithfully for his father with a herd of donkeys. He also honored the things of God.
- When he sought Samuel for direction, he was troubled because he had nothing to give the man of God, not because he wanted to buy a blessing, but because he wanted to honor the office. (1 Samuel 9:7)
- When God chose him to be Israel’s first king, Saul responded with sincerity and uncertainty. “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?” (1 Samuel 9:21)
- And on the day of his inauguration, Scripture says he hid himself (1 Samuel 10:22).
His reign began with what appeared to be a pure, humble heart.
THE SHIFT
But somewhere along the journey, humility gave way to pride. Maybe it was the pressure of the office, or maybe it was insecurity. Perhaps, it was fear of losing the approval of people. But, whatever the cause, we watch Saul’s heart begin to drift:
- He compromised God’s commands.
- He misrepresented God’s instructions.
- He became obsessed with how people viewed him.
The contrast between Saul and David is striking.
- Saul saw David’s heart and despised him for his giftings. Instead of choosing to lead, mentor, and develop David, he sought to destroy what threatened his pride. Saul became a king moved by necessity, while David became a king moved by holy cause.
- Saul lived for the applause of the people, while David lived for the heart of God.
- And in the end, Saul’s selfish choices cost him the very thing he coveted most, his crown.
LET’S FINISH STRONG
I had a pretty rocky beginning with God; there were a lot more down’s than ups and I was on a major learning curve. But, I was dedicated to my prayer life and Bible reading (you wouldn’t have known it by looking at me), and God began to transform me from the inside out. Looking back, I am astounded by how much I have grown in the Lord, but looking ahead I realize that God isn’t through with me—and He’s not through with you, either.
The road gets wearisome, but Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” and Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget those things that are behind us (good or bad) and reach toward the high calling of God.
If you’re reading this devotion today, God is still writing your story. There is a high calling on your life. You have come too far to turn back now. God has started something in your life and He can bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Remember, it matters more how you finish than how you began. Let’s end this race with the Lord strong and steadfast.
