“… choose for yourself this day whom you will serve…” Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
Your choice is simple yet critical in your life as a leader. We were all born to lead, but the choice is up to us whether we lead or not. Today, as we delve into Samson’s life, let us remember that the choices we make matter in the process of God’s purpose for our lives.
The angel of the Lord had appeared to Samson’s mother, who was barren, informing her that she would conceive and bear a son. Before his birth, God had a specific purpose for Samson. “…for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines” – Judges 13:5 (KJV).
As a Nazarite, Samson had to live according to God’s highest standards for His people (Numbers 6:2). Even from the womb, the instructions of the angel were to be followed always. So the child Samson grew under the Nazarite vows, and the Lord blessed him and empowered him with His Spirit (Judges 13:24-25).
Samson had a strong start but also had many missteps along his journey. He was set apart to deliver Israel but made choices that were fatal, leading to spiritual failures and physical death. As Samson grew, it was as if he had forgotten God and His purpose for his life. Notably:
- He failed to address his character weaknesses and was actually overcome by one. Samson, the deceiver, met his match in Delilah, the seducer, and was deceived into captivity.
- He acted impulsively. His impetuosity caused him to choose a wife rashly (though God used that situation to help the Israelites). He made wagers without thinking, which occasionally led to battles. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” As leaders, we must fight against sin and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).
- He misused his God-given gifts. Samson possessed immense strength and godly anointing, which he took for granted. His gifts were intended to bring deliverance to his people, yet he used them for revenge and dishonour, for example, taking honey from the lion’s carcass and eating it (Judges 14:8-9). Be careful not to misuse your God-given gifts or serious repercussions will inevitably follow.
As leaders in the kingdom of God, guard against becoming self-centered, indisciplined, and arrogant. May we always have a humble and teachable spirit. Samson did not take his parents’ advice (Judges 14:3) and ended up being defeated.
Choose today who you will serve. Our choices matter.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, asking forgiveness where I have failed You and forgiveness where I have taken my God-given gifts for granted. Help me, Lord, to acknowledge You in all my ways and not lean on my own understanding. Today, I choose Your will and Your way. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 3:1-2; Galatians 6:7-8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 68:15-20; John 18:25-40; 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 25
