David was a young man that went everywhere King Saul sent him … and he did well at everything. Everyone including Saul and his servants were pleased with him … UNTIL David returned from killing the Philistine and the women came out singing and dancing on the streets celebrating David’s victory. Then, the friendship between David and King Saul quickly changed into hatred and the love fest turned ugly.
Saul became jealous of David’s ability, success, and popularity with the people. “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” (James 3:16).
AHA Moment: Instead of being jealous, God wants us to be thankful for other’s blessings. Jealousy is dangerous and leads to other kinds of sin. We must guard our hearts.
Sometimes in life we will encounter wins in life after experiencing many losses. Some people will stay in your corner while you are experiencing losses … but the very same folks will quickly disappear when you are winning. There’s always a great chance that some folks can become unimpressed with the loud cheers and the accolades from the crowds.
AHA Moment: In life there’s a purpose for everyone you meet. But setting boundaries is healthy because you only what to attract those who will never make you question their loyalty. The real tribe are the ones who stay with you in the valley and on the mountaintop.
To err is human … it’s a fact of life. We cannot change how people treat us or what they say about us … our power lies in how we choose to react when mistakes are repeated. David behaved wisely when praise and popularity came. It didn’t corrupt him.
AHA Moment: Set proper expectations for yourself . No one builds a beautiful house and doesn’t live in it. It’s good to find enjoyment in all you’ve worked for during the few days of your lives which God has given to you. God has given to everyone of us the ability to eat and enjoy the fruits of our hard work. It is a gift when you can live well and enjoy your life and not have to beg for bread. Just guard against it corrupting you.
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 6 that even if we live a thousand years twice and DOES NOT enjoy your success it is fruitless and a grave tragedy.
As much as lies within you … live at peace with everyone … that it may go well with you, your household and the generations to follow. Do not hide yourself from helping others. If your enemy hunger, feed him. If he’s thirsty, give him drink.
AHA Moment: The more words that are spoken, the more trash talk there is in the air… and no one is better off. No one knows what the next chapter of our lives will be … so as much as it is possible live at peace.
Be content with what you have and don’t assume that better things might turn up sometime in the future. Build with whatever is in your hands and the work will never stop. A good reputation is better than having a fat bank account. The end of things is better than beginnings. Build! Build! Build!
AHA Moment: Our death date tells more than our birth date. We learn more at someone’s funeral than we learn at a wedding. On any good day, enjoy yourself. On a bad day, take a moment to reflect because God allows the both days to come to us, so that we will not take anything for granted.
FINALLY: The LORD your God would not listen to anyone who send a curse your way … but the LORD your God will turn the curse into a blessing for you because He loves you. God made us all picture perfect … it’s we who have messed up the images.
Amazing Grace 