In the context of pleasing God, genuine motives generally produce genuine behaviors. Conversely, impure motives generally produce impure behavior — a fruit of its kind.
David is sent to the battlefield on legitimate business by his father. He is asked to bring nourishment and encouragement to his older brothers, who along with the nation of Israel, are facing a giant.
The Message’s version of 1 Samuel 17:17–19 says: One day, Jesse told his son, David, "Take this sack of cracked wheat and these ten loaves of bread and run them down to your brothers in the camp…Check in on your brothers to see whether they are getting along all right, and let me know how they're doing — Saul and your brothers, and all the Israelites in their war with the Philistines in the Oak Valley."
The young shepherd has learned "Heart of God" lessons in obscurity. These have prepared him to face colossal situations in public. These instructions absorbed in times of silence and solitude revealed God as the source of wisdom, power, strength, joy and favor. David has been anointed to be king in private, and yet he walks into a public arena without the title and accolades. And while no one is perfect, David's motives and interest in the battle come from a genuine place, because he has a genuine passion for God. Saul's kingly decision — to offer a sacrifice to God instead of waiting on Samuel the prophet — was driven by an impure motive. In fact, it was a sacrifice born from Saul's disobedience. God did not ask for it.
First Samuel 16:12–13 says: Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health-bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, "Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one." Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.
We witness a shift in power. Yet, it is not the change we would have expected. What we discover is that it is not in the title, the role or the position. It is seen in the connection to God. Saul's disconnection from God is not revealed publicly. He continues to serve as the King chosen by God. Yet Saul no longer serves with confidence. David, though still a shepherd boy, remains connected to the power of God as he boldly approaches a defining moment in his life.
What can we learn from 1 Samuel 17? At a time when we face the biggest challenges of our lives, we realize that disobedience to God, jealousy and dissonance with the "Heart of God" is a recipe for disaster. In fact, victory over our modern-day giants will only come when we stay connected to the voice, will and way of our loving Father.
To face the giants in our lives, we need a secure, heart-to-heart connection with God. Perhaps we can draw a lesson from David, who spent time listening and responding to the voice of God.
Your success will prove most genuine when your desire is to please The Lord.
