The Gift Without the Giver
Samson represents the peril of charisma without character. His story teaches that divine gifts are no substitute for spiritual maturity. God’s Spirit empowered him, but his choices limited how far that power could go.
John Maxwell’s Law of Solid Ground applies perfectly: Trust is the foundation of leadership. Samson’s strength inspired awe, but his lack of integrity destroyed trust — with his people, with Delilah, and ultimately with God. Each act of impulsiveness withdrew from his credibility account until the balance hit zero.
When Delilah betrayed him, his strength departed with his vow. The saddest verse reads:
“He did not know that the Lord had left him.” (Judg. 16:20)
Yet even in failure, grace spoke again. In the temple of Dagon, blinded and humiliated, Samson prayed, “O Lord God, remember me, and strengthen me one more time.” His death brought victory his life never fully achieved.
Samson finished badly, but he finished faithful — a broken man clinging once more to divine mercy.
