David, The Anointed King
For David, it was an occasion to demonstrate to God that power would not change him. Unless we’re watchful, the greatest of us can succumb to the forked tongue of comfortability and importance that flows from the heart poisoned by influence and prestige.
Often, we believe our tests come in the form of everyday struggles, but I think the real tests come at the height of one’s power when it seems like life can’t get any better. - R. S. Mills
There is a Proverb of caution from David, the anointed king, to today’s celebrities. In chapter sixteen, verse eighteen, the word states, “pride goes before the fall.”1 It was not when he was a Shepard boy, not when he was a depressed exile being chased by Saul, but when King David was at the height of his power, and his enemies on their heels. When all was right with the world, he was given his most significant examination, Bathsheba.
Even the Great King David wasn’t immune to the glitz and glory of all he had become. When the lights come on, something happens to the best of us. The bank account grows, and admiration glows in the eyes of both peers and nobles. Now, we have the means to mitigate consequences and the influence to build or destroy. There are levels to this game of keeps. The tests grow more difficult in the upper echelons because of our drift and new ability to redraw old boundary lines.
The truth is that whenever a fence is removed, it’s wise to ask why it was put there in the first place. - RZ
You are never too big for the sheep pen and the Shepard of your soul. Instead, the bigger you become, the bigger the pen you should build vertically, maintaining the original boundary lines, a sharper focus, and a deeper hunger for God. Are you ready for your examination? Your question comes from Psalms 119:9.2 “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. - Ecclesiastes 12:13
Practicals To Keep You Grounded When You Become King:
Give: Giving keeps your heart soft. It’s a recognition that all you have comes from and belongs to God.
Mercy: Extend mercy to those below when it is in your power. God gave you this example when in his infinite power, he gave you mercy through Christ’s blood.
Prayer: Your prayer life shouldn’t stop; it should increase in your new position
Boundaries: Set new boundary lines. Life involves setting and resetting boundaries around what matters.
Renew your Mind: You are called to be in the world but not of it. However, it’s difficult not to become of it unless you renew your mind daily in God’s word. Subscribe to AGTCFG, keep the streak in your Bible app, and do whatever you must, but renew your mind.
Glory: Remember, life is no longer about your vainglory. It’s an opportunity to glorify God.
Accountability: Everything discussed is things you should already be doing, yet in the grip of pride as we see with David, Anointed King, there is no telling how you might respond, mainly if you’ve never been there. You need spotters, those on the outside looking in who can recognize it and hold you accountable.
If you enjoyed this article, share it. Thank you ahead of time. Glory.
This labor of writing, this art, this, I am amazed by, the world’s created with the paragraph.
Matchless,
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. - Psalm 119:9