They both relate to Israel's demand for a king to rule over them. Up till this point, Israel had been ruled by judges who were raised up by God and served under His anointing. The people decided they knew better than God and insisted the Prophet Samuel appoint them a king so that they "may be like all the nations."
Do you know what they may have endured to get what they have? Do you truly "want to be like them?" Stop and think about that for a moment. The biggest problem with wanting to be like other people is not even the prospect that they may be more corrupt than you. Measuring who is more sinful is also a trap. I'd rather leave that determination to God. The true issue is that when you compare yourself to others, you lose yourself; your unique composition, contribution, and the role you're divinely called to play in your home, community, and world.
To be fair, part of the stated reason for their request was because their current judges (Samuel's sons) were corrupt.
So, it was understandable that the elders wanted a change in leadership. But the reason for the desired change had little to do with corruption. It was all about being like the surrounding nations. "What's wrong with that?" you may ask. The answer is, just about everything! But it’s also a reminder (1) how important it is for believers to stay near the heart of God, (2) to guard our hearts from straying and (3) to take our eyes off the wrong target–other people. The elders complained about internal corruption, but the surrounding nations who they sought to copy were beyond corrupt. They worshiped hand-made gods and even sacrificed people in their rituals. In fact, it's likely that some of the corruption the elders supposedly sought to correct in their own leaders were learned or mirrored from the very people they were now wanting to be like! Eventually, Israel would get their king, but he was a complete disappointment. Appointing him did not end corruption or accomplish anything more than further isolating the people from God.
It's like rejecting a gift that someone thoughtfully picked out for you.
Think of God as the Giver. He made you "wonderful" in His own image. He endowed you with gifts, talents, and a calling to be used as a blessing to others. Training your eyes on what someone else has flies in the face of this blessing. That's why the Apostle Paul said that comparing ourselves to others is foolish.
God knew this tendency in the human heart and so He took the form of the Person we should all emulate: Jesus.
He is the Target.
"Be careful what you wish for," the old saying goes.
This theme repeats itself through Scripture and might be rearing its ugly head in your life. If you're human, it's bound to happen. Even King David, "the man after God's own heart," who succeeded King Saul lamented how hard it was for him to see the wicked flourish (Psalm 17). David complained about the seeming prosperity of people who openly turn their backs on God, but whose bellies seemed to overflow with delicacies and possessions. Does that sound familiar? It probably does. It's difficult not to compare ourselves to others. Especially when we follow God, but things don't work out as well for us as for the ones who appear to be downright evil!
Can I get a witness?
There are lots of problems with this thinking. First, who died and left you or me king, or even a judge? Also, while it's easy to covet other people's stuff (from the outside looking in), would you really want to stand in their shoes?
Wayne Gill Wayne Gill is an entrepreneur, business attorney, strategist and minster. He has been featured in several publications, including Fortune Magazine Online and maintains a robust social media following across several platforms.
Follow him on Twitter @InspiredByWayne
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