David

May 12

1 Samuel 18:6-15

Music and cheers

As King Saul’s soldiers returned home from their victorious battles with the Philistines, women from the nearby towns would come out to meet King Saul. They made music, danced, and sang a joyful song: “Saul has killed thousands; but David, tens of thousands.”

Saul did not like this song at all because it made David look a lot better than him. Saul became angry. “Why do they only sing about thousands for me? Soon they will want David to be their king.” From that day on, Saul became very jealous of David and tried to get rid of him; but everyone else liked David because he was such a good leader.

How should I respond to compliments and praises?

How would you feel if you were to receive a medal or a prize for an achievement? It may be hard to describe your mixed emotions as you go up to receive your award in front of a cheering crowd. You may have feelings of joy, pride, nervousness, or even embarrassment.

People respond differently to the compliments and praises they receive for doing something well. There is nothing wrong with accepting a person’s kind words and it is polite to thank someone who pays you a compliment. Perhaps you could use the opportunity to give God the glory by thanking Him openly.

When David was praised he did not stop leading his men to victory, neither did he play down his abilities. He did, however, acknowledge that God had helped him (Psalm 54:4). In contrast, the New Testament tells of a king who loved the praises of men. When they called him a god, he just loved it and took all the glory! Well, you can read what happened to him (Acts 12:21-23).

Verse for today

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ… 2 Corinthians 9:13