Not so Great...

I Samuel 14:24: And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, bso Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people7 came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, cso he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’” And the people were dfaint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.”
Saul had failed to lead the people in driving out the Philistines. He had waited for his time, his way, while ignoring God's waiting for him to ask for guidance.  Jonathan stepped out in faith and routed the enemy.  After further hesitation, Saul jumps on the bandwagon and wants to take over.  This rash vow was totally self-focused. He was in a sense saying "follow me, and down't let me down." This left the army totally sapped of strength, unable to pursue the enemy and have a decisive victory.  In Jonathan's words, it was "not great." It was a great disappointment to lay his life on the line, get the momentum going, and have his father's foolishness blow it. He leaves his fellow soldiers asking the question: "How much better?" 
I'm sure you can look at times in your life that leave you asking the same question: "How much better things would have been, if I only would (or would not) have done..."  Our foolish, selfish actions affect many others - not just ourselves, as they did that day.  Let's remember: It's not about me; it's about God's glory and what's best for others. Let's allow God to do something great, much better than we had in mind.