Do Not Respond As They Do

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 24:8, David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.

As if passing up an opportunity to end his running were not enough, David now puts himself in the most vulnerable position he could possibly put himself in bowing down before the one who desired to take his life. Sadly, in this day and age many would say we were foolish if we did the same in a situation where we were finally confronting one who sought our harm. Yet, David had good reason for making himself this vulnerable. First, he completely trusted God to keep him safe from any harm Saul intended, as God had already proven this to David. His confidence in God’s protection also came from the fact that David was doing what was right before the LORD, and he trusted that God would honor his decision to do what was right in confronting and addressing King Saul in this manner. David knew God’s plan for the future of his life, and chose to trust that God was faithful and would fulfill His Word. When I read and hear much of what Christians are posting and saying, I cannot help but think that God is not pleased with most, if not all, of it. We allow ourselves to get caught up in the political nonsense and end up behaving exactly like the unsaved with the language we use and the harsh ungodly criticism we vomit. Yet, when I read the Word of God I see that we are commanded and directed to respond to such things in just the opposite manner from the way the unsaved world responds. In Matthew 22, when the Pharisee’s were trying to find a way to trip Jesus up and get him to say something against Rome’s government, they challenged Him in regards to paying taxes. Jesus’ response in verse 21 was, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Although He was unfairly treated, falsely accused, and reviled, He did not do the same in return. In 1 Peter 2 the Apostle urged servants to submit to their masters, not just the good ones, but the harsh ones also. He went on to use Jesus as the Example of how our behavior should be toward those who are placed in authority over us. Verses 22 and 23 read, “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”. For us today, we are further commanded in Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” Regardless of our personal opinions about how things are being done, unless we are being told to do something that violates the Word of God, we need not involve ourselves in behaving or expressing ourselves in ungodly ways just because everyone else is doing it. We are called to submit to those in authority and give honor where honor is due, just like David did with Saul. It often makes me wonder if Christians today are reading their Bibles. I say this, because if we are, then we know that the direction in which the world, in general, is headed, is exactly where God Himself has already told us it was headed. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 clearly tells us, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” Having this kind of knowledge that God Himself has provided for us, His children, why do we insist in insulting others and behaving in such a manner that dishonors God? Why do we waste our time with futile arguments over what we know we cannot stop? Would it not be better to simply spend more time encouraging one another as we are admonished to do in Hebrews 10:24-25? Would it not be better to tell others about Jesus, knowing that the time we have here is short and His coming could happen at any moment? 2 Peter 3:11-12 reminds us, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” Let us not be distracted by the devils, and the world, from what we are called to do as we wait for our Lord’s return. Let us choose to honor God with our lives, and not be distracted by nonsense. We must be busy telling others about what Jesus did for us in giving His life for us so that they too can spend eternity with Him. Do not be distracted by the nonsense, keep your eyes on Jesus and do not respond as they do.

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).