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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
DAVID’S RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY
1 Samuel 24:6, “And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”
David’s respect for authority is profoundly illustrated in his relationship with King Saul.
Despite being unjustly pursued by Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy, David had multiple opportunities to take Saul’s life and end his own suffering.
However, David’s respect for God’s anointed king was so deep that he refused to harm Saul, even when his men urged him to do so.
In 1 Samuel 24, David found Saul in a vulnerable position, but instead of taking revenge, David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe as proof that he could have killed him but chose not to.
This act of restraint demonstrated David’s profound respect for God’s authority and his understanding that it was not his place to harm the Lord’s anointed.
David’s choice to honor Saul, despite the danger he posed, teaches us the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in positions of authority, even when we may not agree with them or when it’s challenging to do so.
Consider how you respond to those in authority over you, whether it’s in the workplace, in the church, or in your daily life.
Are you quick to criticize or speak negatively about them when things don’t go your way?
Or do you maintain a posture of respect and honor, recognizing that their authority is part of God’s sovereign plan?
Respecting authority isn’t about agreeing with everything or ignoring wrongdoing, but it is about maintaining integrity and humility in your interactions.
Just as David respected Saul because he recognized Saul’s position as God’s anointed, we too are called to respect those in authority, understanding that God has placed them in their roles for a purpose, even if we don’t always see or understand that purpose.
Consider an employee who is frustrated with their boss due to a disagreement over how a project should be handled.
The employee might feel justified in venting to colleagues or speaking ill of the boss behind their back.
However, instead of sowing discord, the employee chooses to respect the boss’s position, speaking only what is constructive and keeping a respectful attitude.
This decision not only reflects integrity but also honors the structure and authority God has allowed.
Like David, who chose not to harm Saul despite the king’s wrongdoing, this employee honors the principle of respect and recognizes that authority figures, while imperfect, are part of God’s design for order and leadership.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to respect and honor those in authority over me, just as David honored Saul despite the difficulties. Give me a heart of humility and integrity, and teach me to trust in Your sovereign plan, even when I struggle with those in leadership. Let my actions reflect a deep respect for the positions of authority You have established, and guide me in showing honor in all my interactions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Reflect on your current attitude towards the authority figures in your life—whether they are leaders in your workplace, your church, or your home.
Write down specific ways you can show respect and honor to them, particularly in situations where you might be tempted to act otherwise.
Pray for the strength and grace to follow through on these commitments, asking God to help you maintain a posture of respect and humility.
Additionally, identify any areas where you may need to improve your attitude or actions towards authority, and ask God for guidance in making those changes.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sandra Graham – Much Prayer Needed
Amy Garner’s Mom
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher