Taking the High Road
Today’s Verse:
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him. ~1 Samuel 18:14
Sometimes we find ourselves in a difficult spot and are uncertain how we should handle the situation. There could be political, relational, financial, or some other implication that can have a huge bearing on what we decide to do. David was in a pickle of a spot. He became the most popular man in the kingdom because of his defeat of Goliath the giant. Everyone in the kingdom loved him except one man: King Saul. When David’s popularity soared past King Saul’s, Saul’s reaction was that “he eyed David from that day and forward.” This morning, let us see how David took the high road in spite of becoming the king’s most hated enemy.
We see David in his disposition.
“David behaved himself wisely in all his ways.” David was a young man, but he made the decision not to do anything that would ruin his testimony and credibility for the Lord and his family. This one verse alone teaches us that David took the high road. He did not let his problems overcome him, but instead overcame his problems. He saw the challenges in his relationship with Saul as an opportunity for God to work things out. He did not seek retaliation. He kept his thoughts to himself and avoided speaking ill will. He carefully maintained a good spirit in spite of adverse treatment.
We see David in his discretion.
“And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.” David knew he was not well received by Saul. However, he also was among the key soldiers in Saul’s military. David in many ways was a moving target for Saul’s wrath. However, he watched his back and kept himself from being a victim of Saul’s reckless behavior. Being discreet is being careful and discerning. Avoid being the target of attack. Have others near you to minimize the attack risk. Realize that, as good as your intentions are, someone who does not like you will try to take advantage of you. Do not allow yourself to be a victim.
We see David and his discernment.
“But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.” David kept a good testimony before the entire nation. As a good leader, he kept himself visible to the people. He made sure his life depicted he was of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. When the people saw David, they saw a man who was diligent, honest, truthful, loyal, and spiritual. His consistent testimony disproved any attempts by Saul to depict David as a villain or enemy of the state. The nation saw a man full of faith and the power of God.
We see David and his differentiation.
“The Lord was with him.” Beyond everything that underscores David’s wise behavior is the one factor that differentiated him from others. The presence of the Lord was with him. The king pledged to give his daughter, Michal, to David as wife. However, David had to prove his worthiness by taking the lives of one hundred Philistines and bringing back evidence. David went beyond this difficult call of duty and killed two hundred Philistines! Saul’s evil intention was to see David killed in action, but instead David came back overwhelmingly victorious. In behaving himself wisely, the biggest factor that gave David the ability to take the high road with Saul was the Lord’s presence in his life.
Taking the high road is not the easy thing to do. You must accept the pressures and hardships that come with doing this. However, we do not do this alone. We can do this successfully, as long as we have the Lord’s presence preeminent in our life.
Have a wise God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 23-25