Look at me! Look at me!

Saul lived for one year and then became king, and when he had reigned for two years over Israel, Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home, every man to his tent. Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal.  (1 Samuel 13:1-4 ESV)
At his appointment and anointment, Saeul seemed in all ways humble, seemingly sincerely asking why someone of such slight significance would be honored to become Israel's first king.  After initial success in battle, a change appears. Saul selects his chosen warriors and sends the rest home. He is in charge. His son defeats the Philistines and he spins the news to say that he did it.  He then demands everyone to travel back to Gilgal at his beckon call.  It is a picture repeated a thousand times over in the history of kings, generals, presidents and other governmental and military leaders. Power goes to their heads.  And we point the finger and act as if we are immune, saying "If I were king..." All we need to do is watch ourselves in a typical "-day-in-the-life-of-me" to see that it might not be much different at all.  I always rise to the top of my priorities.  News about me is spun to sound the best. The world does spin around me, does it not? Reality check. Humility check. And beware getting proud about your humility.  "Lord, help me to keep perspective."