Fridays with David

Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4 – Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. (NKJV)

A sign of David’s true humility can be seen in his friendship with Jonathan. In spite of the competitive possibilities of their relationship—Jonathan is Saul’s son, but David has been anointed as the next king—these two strong personalities become fast friends. David could have acted through the thoughts of his future position, but instead he chose the relationship that was available to him. He loved Jonathan because David chose to be a servant to Saul first, before his thoughts of his own kingdom. I like this example. It reminds me that no matter what my role in life, I should be a Christian first and a leader second. No amount of responsibility or authority justifies treating people with anything but love and respect. If I can’t act like Jesus to those around me, soon I will lose my qualifications to be their leader.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Men’s Leadership Conference: March 8-10, 2012 . Dallas, Texas . www.men.ag.org