Fridays with David

Read 2 Samuel 9:10-13 – You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do.” “As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet. (NKJV)

David’s act toward Mephibosheth is not about charity or demonstrating kindness to the disabled. Instead, David values the man because of who he is. Had he simply wanted to show kindness, David’s gift of the land, possessions and servants of Saul’s family would more than suffice, but David wanted Mephibosheth around. It’s too easy for the modern leader to value his team simply based on what they bring to the table—what they can do. But God gave each of us value that isn’t defined in such a limited way. Those who only value the performance or abilities of others fall into the trap of using people for their agendas. But those who value people for God-like reasons build relationships that strengthen and enrich their own lives. How would those who work with you describe the way you value their lives? Do they see themselves as a “means to your end” or are they convinced that you value more than their contribution? Love is the core ethic of God’s Kingdom and His people. If we fail to demonstrate His love, then what we accomplish will be of little value.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.