I recently was reading the account of David’s encounter with the Philistine giant Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Certain details of the story caught my attention and directed my thoughts to simple lessons for Christian living and ministry, as we face the challenges that they bring.
Eliab’s attitude. David went to the battlefront because his father sent him on an errand: to bring food for his brothers and the troops, and to bring back a report of their situation (vv. 17-18). Yet when his eldest brother Eliab heard him talking with the soldiers about Goliath, he scolded David and falsely accused him of negligence, conceit, and having a wicked heart. Eliab concluded David was there only for the show (v. 28).
Even when we are obedient and faithful to fulfilling our tasks, there may be those who could misunderstand us or be suspicious of our actions. David ignored the unfounded criticism and focused on his task (v. 30).
Saul’s armor. When David volunteered to face Goliath, King Saul gave his own battle gear for David to use. David tried it on, walked around in it, and finally concluded: “I cannot go in these … because I am not used to them” (v. 39). Instead, he took his own gear—a staff, a shepherd’s bag (where he put in five stones), and a sling (v. 40). He had used these in the past when the Lord enabled him to protect his sheep from wild animals (vv. 34-35). And he went to face the giant with what the Lord had given him.
This is a reminder that our life and service must be dependent on God’s call and God’s empowering. Build on what God has given you. Someone else’s armor will not do. We must receive our call to duty from God; we must make sure to use what God provides for us and not presume that “one size fits all.”
David’s attention. David had a single focus: the honor of the living God. When he heard about Goliath’s insults, David’s concern was about why the Philistine “should defy the armies of the living God” (v. 26). And when the shepherd boy finally faced the giant, he declared: “I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (v. 45). David’s confidence was planted squarely on the living God (v. 37). And his single desire was that “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel” (v. 46).
The Christian’s life and ministry must always be about Christ and the Kingdom of God. Everything that we say and do must seek to honor our Lord in every way (Colossians 3:17) and accomplish his purpose at all times!
—Keith Y. Jainga