Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 17:25-26, So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.” Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
We already discussed how perspective made the difference in how Saul, Israel, and David, reacted to Goliath’s challenge and threat. Along a similar line of thinking, I would like to focus on what was in their hearts, based on what they were saying. Although only God can truly judge what is in our hearts and what our true motives are in doing what we do, we can catch a glimpse of what is in our heart, or the hearts of others, based on what they are focused on. In Luke 6:45 Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Note the difference between the focus of Israel and David. Israel was all about the material, the here and now. They concerned themselves with their reputation as a nation, and what the material reward would be for gaining victory over Goliath and the Philistines. David’s primary concern, however, was in protecting God’s reputation. David saw this as a threat made against God, and their failure to stand up would make it seem as if God was weak in comparison to a mere man. Although we see that David asked what would be done for the man who stood up to Goliath, we see his primary focus on the spiritual, and not the material. Jesus also promised us that if we focus on the spiritual, God would be faithful to fulfill the material. Matthew 6:25-34 promises that if our primary focus is the Kingdom of God, then God will take care of our physical needs. In verse 33 of that same chapter we read, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” It is not wrong to desire certain things in this life, but we must be careful that those desires do not become what drive us. We must guard our hearts from becoming covetous, and from making the material things our gods. Matthew 6:24 reminds us, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Hebrews 13:5 also admonishes, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” What motivates us? Do we view our life from a material point of view, or a spiritual point of view? The answer to this question is simple and will become evident by what our life goals are and by how much of our life is focused on living for own glory or for God’s glory.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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