1 Samuel 16:18
“Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.”
God expects all of us to live like a king. I’m not talking about being wealthy and wearing kingly robes, but I am talking about God’s people conducting themselves on a daily manner as a king should conduct themselves in their kingdom. Christians serve the King of kings, and we should live in a kingly manner.
David was certainly the greatest king Israel ever had. Before God shows us how David conducted himself when he was a king, He shows us his background before he became a king to shows us how he conducted himself after he became a king. There are five definite characteristics of David’s background that show us why God wanted him to be the king of Israel.
First, he worked when others were home. When Samuel came to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be king, he didn’t immediately see David because he was out in the field working when his brothers were at home. God doesn’t use people who are not hard workers. You can’t expect God to use you greatly when you go to work and go home at the same time everyone else does. Christians who work when others are not working are the Christians whom God uses.
Second, he was faithful when he was alone. David was out in the field all alone doing his job when his father was not watching. The best Christians are the ones who don’t just do right when they are in public, but they do right when they are all alone. You show me how much you read the Scriptures, pray and soul win when others are not watching and I can show you how good of a Christian you are.
Third, David had character to prepare. It is interesting that David was a cunning harp player. He didn’t become that by not practicing, but he became that by preparing when no one was watching or listening. Your preparation in private will dictate God’s blessings upon your life in public. God only blesses the performance on the platform by the preparation one does when all alone.
Fourth, David took care of the unseen details. When the lion and bear came, he made sure he took care of his father’s sheep. Your care for details will greatly impact your ability to lead the masses. If you let the small details go uncared for, then God cannot trust you with the greater tasks.
Finally, David was loyal to authority before he was an authority. David loved Saul, even though Saul was not good to him. You will never be a great leader if you are not a loyal follower. Many want to be the authority, but they won’t submit to the authority they have. If you can’t follow authority, then you are not qualified to be an authority.
These five things are imperative to the Christian life. If you want God to use you, then these things must be a part of your character. These things must be in your life if you are going to conduct yourself like a king.