We live in a bottom-line society. From the highest echelon of government to the lowest rung of the ladder, we live with the idea that private morality is just that, a private matter. So long as a person’s public performance isn’t affected, we make allowances for personal quirks. And if they look the part, that’s even better. In fact, shortcomings and flaws matter less than playing the part. What matters is keeping up appearances.
Giftedness and performance are important. It is vital to find diplomats who can negotiate, skilled craftspeople who can make quality products, and business administrators who can do maths, and it’s necessary for these leaders to do things like bathe and groom themselves (because hygiene and a sense of decorum are also nice). Those things are all important. But make no mistake. In the economy of God, character is more important than giftedness and appearance.
The hidden, quiet, internal qualities of humility, wisdom and a willingness to sacrifice personal agenda for the sake of a bigger picture are the character traits of a godly leader. It’s important that we review these ideas occasionally, because appearances can be deceiving, and performance without character is often a recipe for disaster.
We’ve come to value externals over internals. In an image-obsessed society, it’s no longer enough for a candidate to have qualifications and good ideas, that candidate must now look “ministerial.” Some of the greatest prime ministers or presidents in the history of the world may never have been elected in such a mass-media culture. Likewise, a pastor may be good at turning a phrase and producing a pithy and memorable sound bite, but substance matters. Character makes the difference when push comes to shove.
The story of King Saul is a cautionary tale, not only for those who select their leaders but also for the leaders themselves. If the onus is on the people to do the due diligence of investigating a potential leader’s character, the onus is equally on the shoulders of that leader to continue the development of healthy character traits, rather than relying upon giftedness and appearances. The temptation for a leader to look for shortcuts and take the easy way out is always strong.
Simply looking good while you do what you do won’t cut it, not in God’s economy. Why you do what you do and the way you do it matter.
If Saul looked the part, King David, his eventual successor, was on the opposite end of the spectrum. We’ll get to his story next, but for now, suffice it to say that David didn’t strike anyone as being particularly “kingly.” His own family thought of him as the runt of the litter. But God reminded his spokesman, Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height… . The LORD does not look at the things human beings look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16.8).
Hundreds of years later, Jesus encountered some leaders who had decent behaviour but terrible character. They thought that their smooth appearance and spotless performance would be enough to fool God. Jesus told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight” (Luke 16.15).
What might Saul have become if he had cultivated the right character? What rewards might God have bestowed on one so gifted and talented, with so much potential? Would it have been Saul’s line that produced the Messiah? His throne that was established forever? Would he have been the one to take Israel to unprecedented levels of prosperity and dominion?
We’ll never know.
One thing we do know for certain. Saul would have lived a life free of the anxiety and insecurity that eventually destroyed him. God rewards good character, but the greatest reward may be the good character itself.
God, may I never be more concerned with surface appearances than with inward substance. I long for a Christlike character that will sustain me through the vicissitudes and trials of this life. May I seek integrity over image and holiness over happiness. Protect me from the sin of lost potential that would result from pursuing the wrong things at the wrong times in the wrong ways. Grant me the power to be that same person when no one is looking as I am when I am among my peers. Let me be increasingly impressed with Jesus Christ and less impressed with appearance, posturing and posing. I ask that godly character will inform and empower my daily choices and relationships. Then I will seek the things that really matter and endure over the things that will fade and disappear.
In Jesus’s name, Amen
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