Seeks God’s Glory, Not His Own

Seeks God’s Glory, Not His Own

A HERO’S TALE

Once a nobody, David was now a national hero.

The young, slingshot-wielding shepherd boy from Bethlehem had killed Goliath, the mightiest warrior in Palestine, and sparked a great Israelite victory over the hated Philistines. News of David’s heroism spread like wildfire. Everywhere David went, people heaped praise on him.

King Saul’s daughter Michal fell in love with David, and he quickly became best friends with Jonathan, Israel’s prince. David was an overnight celebrity.

His popularity was so great that Saul became jealous, especially when the king heard the songs people were singing. As Saul’s army traveled home after the victory over Goliath and the Philistines, Israelite women came out into the streets singing this tune:

Saul has killed his thousands,

and David his ten thousands! (1 Samuel 18:7)

(If ancient Israel had radio stations, it certainly would’ve become a Top 40 hit.)

After Saul died, David became Israel’s greatest king, and his success continued. He subdued his enemies, greatly expanded Israel’s borders, and captured Jerusalem as his new capital city.

With all his success, David very easily could’ve turned arrogant. He could’ve become addicted to his own fame and started living for his own honor.

But he didn’t.

During his 40-year reign, David lived for God’s glory. He brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and hoped to build a temple for God (although the Lord instructed David’s son Solomon to do it). David also worshiped God through music and writing. He penned at least half the book of Psalms and commanded that worship music be played frequently at the tabernacle.

Was David perfect? Certainly not. But he lived his life for God’s glory, not his own.

DECODING THE MESSAGE

David is a prime example of today’s verse, 1 Corinthians 10:31. God gives each of us many gifts and abilities, and he wants us to use them for his glory.

Living for our own glory is prideful, shortsighted, and sinful. God didn’t create us so we would receive praise. He created us so we would praise him.

It’s not always easy to honor someone else, but this is what God calls us to do. No matter what you’re good at —music, sports, art, writing, science, building things, and so on —use your skills to glorify the Lord.

Do things that please God, and then give him the credit. After all, he deserves it!

BATTLE PLAN

Get in the habit of honoring God publicly and thanking him privately for the good things you do.