Do you think God got a good deal when He got you? Someone once told me they don’t like going to church because churches are full of hypocrites. I beg to differ! Churches are NOT FULL of hypocrites. There’s plenty of room for more.
TRUTH: God is better at saving than you could ever be at sinning.
“God doesn’t work through us because we’re flawless. Rather, He works through us in spite of our imperfections. This generation has forgotten that the gospel message does not clean up and shine the outside of a person; it bores into the very heart and soul of a person and radically changes that person from the inside forever.” A.W. TOZER
We are coming up on Valentine’s Day. It’s become quite a commercial holiday, and legend tells us that it began as an act of love. According to britannica.com, there are several legends out there on Valentine’s Day’s history and how it all started.
Regardless of the sources on the world wide web, it’s no legend or myth that we are loved beyond measure by our Heavenly Father — it far surpasses any amount of roses, chocolates, or cards. The Creator of the universe sent His Son to die for us. He took our imperfections, our SIN, upon himself and suffered to death. Romans 8:34-39 reminds us that NOTHING can separate us from the love of Christ for those who believe in Him. The good news is no matter how many steps you have taken away from God, it still only takes one step to get back.
“And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'” Mark 2:17
I’m reminded of 20 imperfect people in the Bible:
- EVE was tempted and deceived
- ADAM couldn’t resist
- NOAH got drunk and naked
- JONAH ran from God
- ABRAHAM was too old
- SARAH was impatient
- LOT chose the wrong company
- MOSES stuttered
- SAMSON was fooled
- DAVID had an affair
- GIDEON was insecure
- SOLOMON had 1000 wives
- PETER had a temper
- MARTHA was a worrier
- THOMAS was a doubter
- ZACCHAEUS was short
- JOHN couldn’t stay awake
- RAHAB was a prostitute
- PAUL was a murderer
- LAZARUS was dead
They were not perfect. I am not perfect. You are not perfect. Need more evidence?
Let’s get real. Let’s get on our knees before God.
Let’s learn from #10 on that list, David.
The Leadership of David
David was not the default leader in his original family of origin as he was the youngest son. Typically, the younger siblings in any family will develop fewer characteristics of leadership than the other children. David was a man with a balanced character who was in rhythm with God. The Scripture calls him “a man after God’s own heart.” Although he was a remarkable man, David’s leadership life certainly took a toll on him personally and those close to him.
“True leadership, even when it is practiced by the most mature and emotionally stable person, always exacts a toll on the individual.”
David is a central figure not only in the Old Testament but in all of history. More is documented in the Bible about David than any other biblical character. God chose to commit a large portion of the text to present the good and the bad parts of David’s character and life. A total of sixty-six chapters of the Old Testament are dedicated to David. In addition, he is referenced another fifty-nine times in the New Testament. David stands out in history as a leader of leaders. His humble beginnings as a shepherd did not hold him back from becoming one of the most powerful men of all time. Further, he is one of the most pivotal personalities in the Christian heritage.
“David is the original alpha male.”
“A Man”
There is no doubt that David was a man’s man. He is described as being very handsome and also a gifted musician and warrior. To say that he is a man is also to acknowledge that David was a fallen man and had sin issues. Many pulpits have painted a picture of David that is saturated with idealistic distortion. David struggled with many types of sins, including murder and adultery. Sleeping with Bathsheba while her husband was at war is an example of how David lost touch, at least temporarily, with his moral compass. David had numerous wives and concubines. Despite this fact, he seemed never to be satisfied.
“When David is at his best, he displays both competence and character. When he is at his worst, though he sometimes lacks competence, he always lacks character.”
“After God’s Own Heart”
David is not just called “a man.” He is called a man “after God’s own heart.” Because God’s greatness was being expressed through David, he developed a balanced personality that lacked the rigidity seen in his predecessor, King Saul. David spent his time and energy seeking God’s perspective on his situation. David was more than just a great leader. He was a great spiritual leader who spent extended time alone with God. Because of this commitment to seeking out God’s heart, David had both faith and favor. He was a born leader who balanced his actions in a way that showed both strength and weakness as well as both assertiveness and compliance.
“The most important thing spiritual leaders do is to cultivate their relationship with God.”
“Who Will Do God’s Will”
Psalm 119:1 declares, “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” David was a man after God’s own heart who was also willing to do God’s will. He was not always understood or appreciated, but he had a clear focus on seeking out God’s will and doing it.
What about you? What is stirring in your heart while you hear David’s story? Are you willing to be a man or woman after God’s own heart? Let me encourage you to seek Him and His will for your life. Find an accountability partner, strengthen your relationship with the Lord and become the great leader God calls each one of us to become in our own unique way. Let’s make God pleased with the deal He made for each of us.
Excellent! …. We appreciate you sharing and keeping us aware of How & where God fits into our everyday lives & how we should fit into the Picture to better walk in our relationship!