Continuing with the five thoughts that are important to successfully navigate this final phase of transition the church is experiencing this year we move on to point three. We are in the time of “the suddenly of God” where promises from Him are now rapidly becoming realities.
Using the life of David as a basis for this insight the first point is: Don’t wait for God to bring you those who look good. The second point for leaders is: our role is to make them look good.
The third point in staying the course in this final phase of transition is to honour those who are willing to serve you. In chapter 23 of 2 Samuel the Philistines have invaded Israel and are encamped at the Valley of Rephaim. They have a garrison securing Bethlehem. David makes the comment that he would love some water from the well in Bethlehem. His three mighty men broke through the Philistines lines, drew water from the well near the gate and brought it back to David. When David received it, he refused to drink it. He poured it out as an offering to the Lord.
I never understood the reason he did that for quite a long time. Why, when they have risked their lives to get you something you desired, would you pour it out? Wouldn’t that offend them? It’s actually quite the opposite. David was so honoured by their desire to serve him that he couldn’t drink the water. He sacrificed the water as an offering to the Lord. He was acknowledging their sacrifice and their willingness to serve. David was esteeming them highly for what they had done. He did not treat their sacrificial service lightly and as something he deserved. He honoured them instead.
We need to honour those who serve with us. It is a privilege to lead people. It is a privilege to be trusted by the Lord with leadership. It isn’t a right but an opportunity to serve the Lord. People will sing others praises to you and it may seem to belittle you in comparison but our reward is from the Lord not man. Man is fickle. They revered Jesus, followed him everywhere, ate the miraculous provision, and then called for His crucifixion only days after exalting His entrance into Jerusalem.
We will hear as Saul did the song: “Saul has slain his thousands but David his ten thousands.” (You can put your name in Saul’s place) Don’t give envy and jealous an opportunity for a foothold in your life. There is no room for this in the Body of Christ. It will destroy all the good work that has been done by the Spirit if we give into envy.
To overcome the whisperings of the enemy we need to be the lead cheerleaders. We should praise liberally those who are laboring with us. Remember point two was our role is to make people look good. Well, if we do, they will eventually make us look good too. People will say ‘I don’t know why David is getting all the credit, look what these mighty men have done.’ The ones who know the doors you have opened for them will be the ones who ultimately honour you too.
(image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
Using the life of David as a basis for this insight the first point is: Don’t wait for God to bring you those who look good. The second point for leaders is: our role is to make them look good.
The third point in staying the course in this final phase of transition is to honour those who are willing to serve you. In chapter 23 of 2 Samuel the Philistines have invaded Israel and are encamped at the Valley of Rephaim. They have a garrison securing Bethlehem. David makes the comment that he would love some water from the well in Bethlehem. His three mighty men broke through the Philistines lines, drew water from the well near the gate and brought it back to David. When David received it, he refused to drink it. He poured it out as an offering to the Lord.
I never understood the reason he did that for quite a long time. Why, when they have risked their lives to get you something you desired, would you pour it out? Wouldn’t that offend them? It’s actually quite the opposite. David was so honoured by their desire to serve him that he couldn’t drink the water. He sacrificed the water as an offering to the Lord. He was acknowledging their sacrifice and their willingness to serve. David was esteeming them highly for what they had done. He did not treat their sacrificial service lightly and as something he deserved. He honoured them instead.
We need to honour those who serve with us. It is a privilege to lead people. It is a privilege to be trusted by the Lord with leadership. It isn’t a right but an opportunity to serve the Lord. People will sing others praises to you and it may seem to belittle you in comparison but our reward is from the Lord not man. Man is fickle. They revered Jesus, followed him everywhere, ate the miraculous provision, and then called for His crucifixion only days after exalting His entrance into Jerusalem.
We will hear as Saul did the song: “Saul has slain his thousands but David his ten thousands.” (You can put your name in Saul’s place) Don’t give envy and jealous an opportunity for a foothold in your life. There is no room for this in the Body of Christ. It will destroy all the good work that has been done by the Spirit if we give into envy.
To overcome the whisperings of the enemy we need to be the lead cheerleaders. We should praise liberally those who are laboring with us. Remember point two was our role is to make people look good. Well, if we do, they will eventually make us look good too. People will say ‘I don’t know why David is getting all the credit, look what these mighty men have done.’ The ones who know the doors you have opened for them will be the ones who ultimately honour you too.
(image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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