"Some People Will Dislike You"
When I started out in pastoral ministry, my Lead Pastor told me that at least 10% of the people in the church would grow to dislike me. How’s that for encouragement! Yet, as a young, people-pleasing intern, I needed to have this kind of reality check. At the end of 1 Samuel 10, Saul returns to his hometown of Gibeah with a cadre of valiant men. Yet, we also learn that some troublemakers despised him and openly questioned his leadership (1 Sam. 10:27). I suspect that these agitators were part of Saul’s 10%. Fortunately, God had already brought key supporters into Saul’s life – the heroes I mention in a previous blog (see Surrounded by Heroes). I don’t enjoy being disliked. However, as a leader, I need to accept that peoples’ displeasure often comes with the territory and continue to lead even as God leads me.