The Samson Syndrome: what you can learn from the baddest boy in the Bible
A few months ago, I was in my Pastor’s office and we were sharing life issues and lessons. He was concluding some advice he was giving when he said “there is a book you need to read”. “What book is that Sir?” I responded. “It is by Mark Attebery, the title is The Samson Syndrome: What you can learn from the baddest boy in the Bible”, he said. I was immediately intrigued by the title. “It is the kind of book you will read a few pages of and then take a walk to reflect on what you have just read. Go and get a copy and read. When you have finished reading, come back, let’s talk some more and talk about the book too” he added.
My darling cousin, Awawu, bought me a copy and sent it to me as an “early birthday gift”. Bless her! The book uses the biblical story of Samson to highlight “the Samson Syndrome”. The Samson Syndrome is described as a set of “12 tendencies” in Samson’s story and life which are common “to men of strength in every generation”. The Author believes “all men stand to benefit from Samson’s message & women who love strong men can gain valuable insights from Samson’s experiences because there is no character in the Bible that offers a woman keener insights into the male psyche.” In my view, the advice and lessons in the book are applicable to both men and women not just strong men.
The theme of the book is that life is a battlefield and men may have to contend with one, a few or all 12 tendencies in our life time. These tendencies are :
- A disregard for boundaries 2) Struggle with Lust 3) Ignoring good advice
4) Tendency to break rules 5) Overestimation of cleverness 6) Using Anger as a tool
7) Repeating the same mistakes 8) Having Big Egos 9) Taking foolish risks
10) Struggle with intimacy 11) Taking too much for granted 12) Losing sight of the big picture
The Author argues that “with God’s help we are capable of such great things but we are never more than one bad choice away from humiliation. Therefore, we need discernment and wisdom to navigate life and the landmines that the enemy puts in our way”. Discernment is defined as the “ability to see through the heart of a matter. It is good judgment. The Author describes the deadly enemies of discernment as Pride, Liquor, Anger, Greed, Hatred and Impatience. We are urged to look around (to see and be reminded of our blessings), look within (to who we are), look ahead (to our future) and look up (to God) to help us be more discerning, make better choices and achieve greater results.
Self control and patience are two virtues which the Author recommends we keep developing. He argues that “true strength is seen not in the ability to wreak havoc and destruction, but in the ability to show restraint”. We are reminded that “If ever a person was mistreated, it was Jesus. If ever a person was misunderstood, it was Jesus. If ever a person was let down by his friends, it was Jesus. In other words, he had every reason to be one very angry man! But He wasn’t. He was the kindest, gentlest man who’s ever walked the face of the earth” and he should be our standard.
The book encourages everyone to have people in their lives who they can be accountable to. Honest people who can see the blind spots that we may not be able to see and people are committed to our growth. Reminding us that “Lot had Abraham, Moses had Aaron, Caleb had Joshua, David had Jonathan, Paul had Barnabas and Silas but Samson did not have anybody”. It argues that the enemy is always looking for “whom to devour” and people who are in isolation are easier targets therefore it encourages that we should constantly seek ways to be around those who will “sharpen us” and strengthen us with prayer. It is imperative that we “have a strong supporting cast”.
Mark Attebery reminds us that the “enemy sets subtle, almost invisible traps for us everywhere” and anyone can fall prey. He encourages married couples to be their spouse’s primary source of emotional support. Humility is recommended in our daily life. We are reminded that we are in a war and the war will not be over until we die as “prior success in a battle does not ensure future victory” and so we have to be constantly vigilant.
What if you have made many poor choices and you are a victim of all the 12 tendencies of Samson’s Syndrome? The book reminds one that God is a compassionate father, who is ever merciful and full of tender kindness. He stretches his loving arms to all those who seek to find him and can help to eliminate these tendencies and guide one to a path of progress and victory. By understanding who we are and the subtle tendencies we face and by committing ourselves wholly to God, we can fulfill our calling and be faithful unto death.
