Christian Living

---

Ever since prophet Samuel anointed David to be the next king of Israel, David has been watched and observed by man, not for his physical appearance, but for his actions and reactions. It is clear that David was selected not for his physical strength or stature, but for his heart towards God (1 Samuel 16:5-13).

For many occasions, Saul sought to kill David, but each time David spared the life of Saul, refusing to kill God's anointed (1 Samuel 24, 26). His covenant with Jonathan concerning the preservation of Saul's family line was closely observed without fail (1 Samuel 18, 20). David consults God each time before he goes to battle (1 Samuel 23:2; 2 Samuel 2:1, 5:19, 23) and treats his henchmen fairly (1 Samuel 30). He deals fairly with the people who accommodate him and his men while running from Saul (1 Samuel 25).

When the servant of David, Joab, kills the commander of Ish-bosheth's army, Abner, David made it clear to all Israel that it is never his intent to kill Abner who had made a prior covenant with David (2 Samuel 3:13-39) and through action, David mourns and made restitution by fasting. The people observed David and "all Israel understood that day that it had not been the will of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death" (2 Samuel 3:37 NAS).

Now all the people took note of it, and it pleased them, just as everything the king did pleased all the people. (2 Samuel 3:36 NAS)

It is clear from these records that David was a man of integrity, pleasing in the eyes of God and Man. To Man, David's action, mannerism, behavior, and fair dealings, won him the respect of the people who observed him (2 Samuel 3:36). To God, the LORD said to Samuel concerning Eliab, David's brother when he was looking at the sons of Jesse to anoint the next king:

"Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NAS)

This verse tells us that David has been chosen to be king because of his heart towards God, therefore, pleasing in the eyes of God.

Two lessons we can learn from David's life are our actions speak louder than words, and actions must come from the heart. As Christians, it is important for our hearts to be constantly in tune with God to command our actions. There is nothing wrong to be pleasing in the eyes of God and Man, and by our actions and behavior, Man will see God in us, so they may believe and give glory to God.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE