2 Warning Signs You’re Trying To Wear Saul’s Armor

Have you ever felt like you’re trying to wear Saul’s armor?

That feeling of always walking in someone else’s shadow …

No matter what you do, you’re always compared to that person …

Struggling with thoughts that you will never measure up to the previous leader …

Young David found himself in a similar situation as he prepared to fight Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

After telling King Saul he would fight Goliath and defend the Israelites, Saul immediately hands David his armor to wear in the battle.

This armor had to be impressive since it belonged to the king.

I’m sure it was made with the best materials money could buy, and David had never worn anything like it.

It had always worked for Saul in previous battles, so it was the natural thing for young David to wear.

There was just one problem …

THE ARMOR DOESN’T FIT YOUNG DAVID … BECAUSE IT WAS MADE TO FIT KING SAUL.

At that moment, David had a decision to make.

Does He try to defeat Goliath with what God had given him or with what King Saul had given him?

Why the Bible lesson?

Because a lot of church leaders face this same decision every day in ministry.

And if we’re not careful, it can lead to comparison, burnout, resentment, and condemnation.

But, I believe the trick to avoiding these is to know the warning signs before they show up.

So, here are 2 warning signs you’re trying to wear Saul’s armor:

1. The Armor You’re Wearing Doesn’t Fit

King Saul’s armor must have been huge on David since he was just a young man.

When he tried to move, it would have been uncomfortable and hard.

A sure sign you’re trying to wear another leader’s armor is that it doesn’t fit or feel natural.

Examples of this could include trying to:

1. Preaching like the last preacher did … when God has given you your own unique voice.
2. Be a sports junkie like the last youth leader … when your true passion is music.
3. Leading worship in the same style as the last worship leader … when God has given you your unique style.
4. Use puppets in your kid’s ministry like the last kid’s leader … when you can’t talk and move your hands at the same time.

The list can go on and on, and each of us is thinking of one right now.

To combat this, make the same decision David did, and stick with what God has given you.

Remember, God has placed you and the unique gifts He has given you in the exact time and place in history to make the most impact.

You are the perfect choice for where you are.

If you don’t realize this, you’re truly heading toward the “never-ending cycle” of comparison.

2. You’re Trapped In The Cycle Of Comparison

Maybe you have passed the previous warning sign, and have reached this one.

I can relate to this with a memory that is flowing back …

There I was as a youth pastor serving at my first church. 

I was fresh out of Bible college and ready to take on the world.

The problem … I was following a previous youth pastor that the teens loved; and was my complete opposite.

That first year was tough as I was constantly reminded, “That’s Not How So and So Did It”.

The previous youth pastor loved sports, and I’ve never been a sports person.

They were wild and crazy, and I’ve always been more of the calm type.

Fortunately, I had a lead pastor who helped me see that the teens didn’t need “So and So” right now. 

“What they needed was me.”

“That’s why he hired me.” 

He reminded me that God had called me to lead the youth ministry at that time.

That I was his David at that moment for those teens.

His advice helped me step away from the “never-ending cycle” of comparing myself to the previous leader.

Now, when I see those same teens as adults, they come up to me as the Israelites did to David; I’m still their hero.

Remember, no matter how different you are from the previous leader, you were picked by God and those around you to lead because you are what is needed now.

Call to Action

Are you noticing the warning sign of trying to wear Saul’s armor? 

Is his shadow enclosing all around you?

If so, here are a few things you can do to help:

1. Know that God could have chosen anyone for this ministry position, but He chose you.
2. Know that when God called you, He knew who you were and that’s exactly what He was looking for.
3. In realizing this, be yourself, and let God take care of the rest.

What Do You Think?

What about you? 

Do you have another tip I didn’t mention? 

Feel free to share in the comments section below!