But some troublemakers said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. —1 Samuel 10:27
Some people didn’t want Saul to serve them as King because of his simple background and non-aristocratic family history. So often, we tend to do the same thing today label people and discount their ability to lead God’s people or serve in God’s Kingdom because of their heritage or past. God, however, doesn’t look at a person’s heritage or past. He searches their heart. So, dear leader, please stick close to the Lord, because you will be criticized. But please, don’t react to every little criticism or slight; devote yourself to serving the Lord boldly. And to those of us called to follow God’s leaders, let’s refuse to dismiss someone as God’s leader because she or he lacks some character. Remember the vast variety of people God used in the stories we find in the Bible. Trust that our God will be just as creative in his choice of people he wants to lead us in our day.