In this third part we explore more of the principles that made David successful. The Bible says of David
And he died in a GOOD OLD AGE, FULL OF DAYS, RICHES, and HONOUR: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.
1 Chronicles 29:28
Principle #9: The Principle of Behaving Wisely When You Are Blessed
And David BEHAVED HIMSELF WISELY in all his ways; and the Lord was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he BEHAVED HIMSELF VERY WISELY, he was afraid of him. Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David BEHAVED HIMSELF MORE WISELY than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
1 Samuel 18:14, 15, 30
At different times of your life, God will bless you and lift you up. Many people think that problems belong to those who are poor and defeated. You will notice that David's problems did not begin until after he killed Goliath. After one breakthrough came a host of problems. But the Bible says that David behaved himself wisely. It is important to walk in wisdom when the Lord has promoted you.
Many Christians do not know how to behave themselves when they are blessed. Some young ladies backslide as soon as they get married. The prodigal son received an inheritance then spent his money on harlots and riotous living. Why is it that some people go wild after receiving a blessing? They no longer attend church, they no longer serve God, and they no longer do the right things. Never forget that the Lord gave you everything you have. Learn to behave wisely every time the Lord blesses you!
Principle #10: The Principle of Seeing People in the Right Way
And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto MY MASTER, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the ANOINTED OF THE LORD. David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, MY LORD THE KING…Moreover, MY FATHER…
1 Samuel 24:6,8,11
In this passage, David spoke about King Saul to his subordinates, he called him, "My lord." At other times, he called him, "My king", "My master", and even "My father."
He could have called him a demon-possessed man. We all know that King Saul was a fallen man of God. Everyone knew that the anointing had departed. Yet, David gave Saul the honor and referred to him in a spiritual and honorable way. Because David constantly reminded himself that he was dealing with the anointed king, it was difficult for him to strike the Lord's anointed. David never allowed himself to see Saul in the wrong way. Notice that David's respect for Saul's office was maintained until the very end. When David heard of Saul's death, notice how he spoke of Saul. He referred to him as the "mighty".
How are the MIGHTY fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan thou wast slain in thine high places.
2 Samuel 1:25
David had taught his men that kings and other anointed people are not to be murdered. Years later, when David himself made a mistake and killed Uriah, he opened the door for a possible retaliatory act.
But David had taught by example, not to strike at the Lord's anointed.
In today's world, it is important to perceive the Lord's anointed as they truly are.
Principle #11: The Principle of Not Violating Fathers
And he said unto his men, THE LORD FORBID THAT I SHOULD DO THIS THING UNTO MY MASTER, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.
1 Samuel 24:6
One of the spirits at work in the world of ministry tries to cut off fathers from children. Surprisingly, many fathers do not flow with their children. One of the secrets of success is to honour both your natural and spiritual fathers, until the very end. God knows that many fathers do not live up to standard. However, He expects a certain honour to flow from children to the fathers. Just accept it! The promise is clear. If you honour your father it will be well with you and you will live long on the surface of the earth.
HONOUR THY FATHER and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE, and THOU MAYEST LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.
Ephesians 6:2,3
There are many fathers who can and do provoke their children greatly. Children should be careful not to retaliate, even under extreme provocation.
And, ye fathers, PROVOKE NOT your children to wrath…
Ephesians 6:4
It is not easy to honour some fathers, but I believe that it leads to God's blessing and favour.
David's father was throwing spears at him. David's father was trying to kill his son-in-law. I have had people who were supposed to be my fathers, try to destroy me in ministry. Unbelievable things occur in the ministry! I see them as great temptations of the devil. I believe that David stood at the crossroads of his life when he had the opportunity to kill Saul. Overcoming that temptation was one of the greatest breakthroughs of his entire ministry.
That is why this story is given so much prominence in the Bible. Decide not to attack a father in this life. Do not destroy your future. No matter how evil a father may seem to be, leave him to God!
Principle # 12 The Principle of Listening to Advice
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: And BLESSED BE THY ADVICE, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.
1 Samuel 25:32, 33
In this Scripture, you see David about to make a mistake. He was going to attack innocent people. Nabal had been very ungrateful to David for his services. It was the advice of Abigail that saved the day. Once again, if King David had shed blood in his early days it could have become an embarrassment and curse to him. This would have followed him throughout his reign as king.
David said to Abigail, "Blessed be thy advice." Thank God for people who give good advice. Be open to people's advice. Even when your enemy is speaking, take note of what he is saying. Advice is one of the cheapest ways to move ahead in life.
There are many people who advise me. I have lawyers, architects, engineers, doctors and businessmen who make a great input into my life. I am the leader, so I have to take the decision. However, I want to know what everybody thinks before I take the decision. Sometimes even children can give you good advice. There is a mystery about good advice. The one who is advising sees the issues very clearly and simply. Often, the one who is receiving the advice does not believe that things are as simple as that. Open your spirit to be able to see when good advice is coming your way.
