If you haven’t read the full story of David & Goliath in awhile click here.  You may also want to check out parts 1 -5 in this series.

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17: 45-47, NKJV)

In addition to confidence, David had something that I often pay little attention to – he had a worthy motive.  He proclaimed something that stuck out to me here, “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”  This gives us insight to David’s motive.  He didn’t yell out, “Then all this assembly will know that I took down Goliath.”  He didn’t boast, “Then all this assembly will know that the LORD chose me.”  Nor is he quoted saying, “Then all this assembly will know how faithful I am.”  Do you see where I’m going with this?  David actions were intended to bring glory to God, not himself.

This was the most convicting section of the passage for me.  My motives are often the exact opposite of David’s.  Instead of bring glory to God, if I’m really look at my heart, if I’m truly honest, my motives are to bring myself glory and recognition.

My motives more often sound like this:

• I hope the Sunday School teacher notices how well my children behave.
• I want the worship paster to noticed how high my hands are lifted today.
• My family needs to see how much time I spend reading my Bible.
• My audience will probably be impressed with how well I can write.

When my motives should sound like this:

• I hope the kids behave in Sunday School so they hear Jesus.
• I want Jesus to enjoy our time in Worship today.
• I pray that reading the Bible draws me closer to Jesus.
• I hope that Jesus uses this blog to point more people to Himself.

I don’t like to admit it, but my flesh wants to glorify itself. all. the. time.  and I am desperate to change.

Lord, help me to take captive every thought that does not glorify You (2 Corinthians 10:5).  My motives are often selfish and self glorifying and You know it.  Please forgive me and make the motives of my heart point to You.  In Your name I pray.  Amen.

I hope my thoughts help you understand how this Old Testament scripture can be applied to our modern lives, but don’t just take my word for it.  Dive into The Bible yourself, pray, and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.

Have a question or a thought?  Please feel free to leave a comment.