THEOSISGregory the Great
It is explicitly articulated as follows: ‘When you recognize yourself as insignificant, I lift you up in the eyes of others. However, if you perceive yourself as important, I view you as lowly.’
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Thus, Saul, having experienced the virtues of humility, was ultimately elevated out of pride and found himself at the height of authority. His humility led to his preference above others, while his pride resulted in his downfall, a truth the Lord declares through Samuel: ‘Were you not little in your own sight when you became the leader of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed you king over Israel?’ Initially, he saw himself as unimportant, but once granted earthly power, he lost that perspective.
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He began to regard himself as superior due to his authority, elevating his self-worth above that of others. Ironically, it was when he deemed himself humble that he was truly esteemed by God; conversely, when he embraced his own significance, he appeared small before God. Often, the mind, inflamed by authority over others, succumbs to the current of pride, and the apex of power can become a partner to unchecked ambition.