Strengthening Priorities.
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
Notice, David strengthened himself before trying to deal with the upset of others. This is an important truth: You can only love your neighbor as you love yourself.
We get this notion that it's prideful to put ourselves before others. I'm not talking about being narcissistic and self-indulgent. That is out of order. Rather, put God first, then you, and then others. David strengthened himself in the Lord so that he could be a good leader. Whatever our roles in life—parent, boss, neighbor, friend—we each make a more positive impact on others when we are taking care of oursleves and operating at our best.
We each need to be healthy, strong, alert, and ready—inclined to the voice of the Lord and in step with the leading of the Holy Spirit—in order to be effective ministers of the Gospel in our generation. It is sobering to consider that the well-being, in some cases the very eternity, of another depends on how well you are doing—how strong you are in the Lord and how you take care of your spirit.
Let's all get our priorities set strongly in place. Look to God. Look after yourself. Look out for others.
Press on!
Pastor Jeff
© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
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