February 6, 2006

 

And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him. Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. --1 Samuel 18:14-16

 

I have personally known people that God has tremendously blessed financially. While they were growing their young family and getting their business started, they were faithful to serve and live for the Lord. But when God gave them success and blessed them, it wasn’t long before they began to depart from Him and absent themselves from the presence of the church and God’s people.

 

Success has changed many people for worse. But David refused to go down by the hand of his own success. After all was said and done, he was still the same humble shepherd who behaved wisely. Do you want to survive success as David did? Then practice the fourth and final “be-attitude”— be humble. 

 

Do you wonder why God called David “a man after My own heart?” This is it — because David maintained a child-like spirit. Psalm 131:1-2 says, “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have clamed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

 

Even though he defeated the great giant, won many battles, was crowned the champion of Israel, and ultimately became king, David said, “Lord, I’m still David. It’s just me, God. I want to be the same as always for You.” We all deserve the judgment of God, but He has given us grace instead. Thank God today for His mercy, and go before Him simply and humbly as yourself. If you follow the four “be-attitudes,” then you’ll survive success and give God the glory He deserves.

 

YOUR REACTION TO SUCCESS WILL EITHER REVEAL THE IMPURITIES IN YOUR LIFE OR THE PRECIOUS JEWELS. DETERMINE TO BE HUMBLE BEFORE THE LORD.