Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 18:5, So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
This verse says much about David’s character and relationship with God. Our Christianity must extend itself beyond the church building walls. Far too many of us are great Christians within the local church building but lack much once we set foot outside the building. We get into our cars and before we make it to the end of the parking lot, we are cutting people off and refusing to give others the right of way. We go home and the person we were in the church building with our family was left in the church building and we are someone different before our spouse and children. We go to work, and if it were not for the times that we speak of the Lord (in between the inappropriate jokes and language) no one would really know we were Christians. Our work ethic is less than admirable and those who truly want to glorify the Lord would prefer that we not publicly identify ourselves as Christians in the work place because of our less than glorifying attitude. I say all this to point out that David, whether tending to his family’s sheep or serving Saul, carried out his duties with God-honoring wisdom. 1 Corinthians 10:31 clearly states, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I have seen Christians who have tried to, and in some cases have succeeded to, climb the ladder of success at work using the world’s approach. However, it cost them their testimony for Jesus. Like David, regardless of whether we are at home, work, or out socially, we need to live life with godly wisdom. James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” As followers of Jesus, this ought to be our goal in all that we do, and in every aspect of our lives; as glorifying Him and bringing honor to His Name should always be at the forefront of our thinking. Verses that always comes to mind in respect to what kind of employees and servants we should be is Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” When we work for others, or have an opportunity to serve others, whatever we do, as born again believers, we are doing “as to the Lord”. The Word of God promises that if we seek wisdom, we will find her. Proverbs 2:3-8 promises, “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures; 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord give wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.” We must avoid seeking man’s favor over what we know is right before God. David sought to be wise before God, and in seeking the favor of God he also gained favor with men. It is always best to move ahead in life using godly wisdom and preserving our testimony for Jesus, rather than to gain all the world has to offer, but blemish the Name of our Lord and Savior. What we gain here is temporary, but heavenly reward is eternal. If we ever wonder if our wisdom is truly from God, then we can use James 3:13-17 as a measure; it says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
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).
No comments:
Post a Comment