Lead with God, Not Alone | 1 Samuel 31:4-6

Your leadership impacts lives. Will it inspire faith or bring ruin?

Today, we will read the conclusion of Saul's life. If you are ready, let's discover how it ends in 1 Samuel 31:4-6:

Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together. — 1 Samuel 31:4-6

Saul's tragic end is more than a moment of personal failure—it’s a sobering picture of leadership disconnected from God. His story challenges us to evaluate how we lead and reminds us that leadership isn’t just about direction; it’s about dependence.

In a moment of fear and despair, Saul chooses to take his own life rather than face capture by his enemies. His armor-bearer, overcome with grief, does the same. This event not only marks the end of Saul’s reign but also devastates those under his leadership—his sons, his armor-bearer, and his men all fall with him.

Three Leadership Lessons:
1 | Leadership Without God is Unsustainable

Saul's downfall didn’t begin on the battlefield. It began in his heart. By ignoring God's commands and chasing his own ambitions, he severed the source of his strength. Leadership apart from God will always falter under pressure. Whether we lead our families, our teams, or our communities, we must anchor ourselves in God’s wisdom, not our own.

2 | Leadership Always Impacts Others

Saul’s choices weren’t isolated. They led to the death of his sons, his armor-bearer, and his men. As leaders, our decisions ripple through the lives of those we influence. Whether at home or work, we must ask ourselves: Are we leading people closer to God or farther away?

3 | Leadership Requires Leaning on God

Saul’s fear overcame him because he relied on his own strength. Godly leadership doesn’t come from having all the answers but from leaning on the leadership of God. When we follow faithfully, we can lead courageously which inspires others to do the same.

How will you lead?

Will you try to lead on your own strength, as Saul did, only to collapse under the weight of your burdens? Or will you choose a better path—a path of surrender, trust, and courage found in God?

The world needs godly leaders. Your family, your friends, your workplace, and your community need men and women who will step up, stand firm, and point others to Christ. It doesn’t require perfection, only faithfulness. Saul’s story may have ended in tragedy, but your story doesn’t have to.

Today ask God to guide you in every decision, to strengthen you in every trial, and to help you lead others closer to Him. Leadership starts with faith and grows through daily dependence on God. Be the leader who inspires, encourages, and uplifts—because you follow the ultimate Leader, Jesus Christ.

#LeadWithFaith #GodlyLeadership #FaithfulInfluence

Ask This:
List three areas where you influence others.
How do you need to pray over each one?
Do This:

Be a godly influence and leader.

Pray This:

Lord, I am ready to lead as You call me to lead. Help me depend on You in every decision and to guide others in a way that reflects Your truth and grace. Teach me to lead courageously and faithfully, always pointing others to You. Amen.

Play This:

Lead Me.