Appointed or anointed?

In I Samuel 18:7-9, Saul is imploding as a leader. He’s got anger issues. He’s got jealousy issues. And he’s got fear issues. And it’s all because he forgot who had called him in the first place. He was more concerned about his popularity ratings with people than pleasing God.

“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands!”

This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “The credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”

Saul forgot who had made him king! Saul was afraid of the people appointing David, but Saul wasn’t appointed by people. He was anointed by God.

If you forget who called you, you’ll run into trouble. You’ll become a people pleaser. You’ll feel threatened because of your insecurities. And the fear of man will be your downfall. David was Saul’s greatest asset, but Saul was threatened because of his insecurities.

Can I offer this simple reminder to pastors? You weren’t appointed by a denomination or elected by a congregation or ratified by a board. You were anointed by God. And if you forget, you’ll leadership will implode. I’m not saying you aren’t accountable to a denomination or congregation or board. But never forget your ultimate accountability is to the one who anointed you in the first place.

“The Lord has anointed you king of Israel.”

I Kings 15:17