Scripture
David, my servant, is the one I chose to be king, and I will always be there to help and strengthen him.
~Psalm 89:20-21, CEV
Quote
Character is infinitely more important than physical attractiveness, talent or even brilliance.
~Timothy Keller
Does Character count? During the Clinton administration, we were told by the media that character didn’t matter, it had nothing to do with Clinton’s job performance. Ironically, they have been attacking Trump’s character for four years. The libs have a double standard. I can promise you this: Character counts.
Based on the LORD’s instructions to Samuel {don’t judge by appearance} in anointing David, I assume that Samuel had made that mistake with Saul who was a head taller than all other Israelites. Eliab, David’s brother was also tall but God told Samuel, you are looking at the outside, I am looking at the heart. Saul had the physique of a king but he lacked the character and Samuel did not want to make the same mistake twice. David was not an empire building type A personality. I’m not saying he lacked ambition: what I am saying is that his first desire was to please God. Psalm 89 is not just about David, it has Jesus written all over it: here David is a type of Christ…He will crush His enemies, His foes will not get the better of Him, He will set his hand over the seas, He will be exalted, He will be called the Son of God.
If we go back to Psalm 78, we find these words concerning David’s selection as king…He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Jesus said in Luke 16, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large one, but if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Jesus is always right. David thought he was merely tending sheep but he was in training for being the king of Israel. If you know anything about David, you know that he took his job very seriously: he was good at tending sheep. A man who loves and cares for sheep will love and care for people. David had the two things that every good leaders must have: Integrity and skill.
Examine your own spiritual growth by taking the Timothy Keller “Growing In Character Test.” Are you growing less selfish and more loving? Are you growing less self-pitying and more thankful? Are you growing less vain and more joyful? Are you growing less sensitive to criticism and more patient with people? Are you growing less prideful and more humble? Are you growing less confident in the flesh and more dependent on Christ?
I have a praise! I got my call to report at 1:30 and at 1:45 I was on my way home. Our case was settled just minutes before it went to trial…hallelujah! I cannot be recalled for two years and I made a whopping $22.70. The 2.70 was for mileage–5 cents per mile. That would be good if this was 1919 instead of 2019 but I don’t care. I would have gladly given the entire check just to get out of the courthouse. I’ve never had a good experience in a courthouse. It is the first time they gave me money instead of taking it.
The Grace Point Family
I told the short ones not to get in the back but they didn’t listen. Thanks to all who help feed the Brewer Teachers a fabulous lunch yesterday.