What a shock it is when we discover that what we were doing for the cause of Christ has actually been more harmful than helpful. At times in our zeal to get something done, or to gain momentum, or to achieve a small win, we can jump to conclusions about God’s work. We assume that because something makes sense to us, it must be pleasing to God. We charge ahead with the best of intentions only to be disappointed at the result.
The reality is that when we do anything in our strength and wisdom, it falls miserably short of what God cold have accomplished. Imagine Saul’s surprise. He thought he was the most devout man in his society. No one went to greater lengths to please God and to live righteously than he did. Yet rather than be grateful for Saul’s efforts on His behalf, God viewed him as His enemy. Rather than extending God’s kingdom, Saul’s efforts were harming it.
Saul desperately needed to radically reorient his life to Christ. He needed to start listening rather than always doing. He needed humility rather than more zeal. He needed to begin doing things God’s way. Only then would he achieve God-sized results.