Read Philippians 2:5–11
Genuine character seems more possible in us when we see it modelled in others. That’s why I’ve always believed in being a student of great people.
I’ve always benefited spiritually by considering the character in individuals like David, who at key moments in history, chose to humble himself under the mighty hand of God, allowing Him to fulfil His plan...His way...in His time.
Having been anointed the next king of Israel, David found himself being hunted by the current king, Saul...a blindly jealous man. On one occasion, David, with sword in hand, had Saul within striking distance. Yet David refused to harm the Lord’s anointed. Why? Because he respected Saul’s authority as king. He also humbly deferred to God’s sovereign authority over his own future as king (see 1 Samuel 24). Such a rare quality in people today.
I urge you to read and reflect slowly and intently on an often quoted but rarely embraced passage penned by the Apostle Paul so very long ago.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had:
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5–11)
One wonders if Paul was a student of David? He most certainly was of Jesus. The question is: Are you?
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.
The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.
