2 Samuel 5:6-25

“And David realized that the LORD had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.” (2 Samuel 5:12, NLT)

Success has destroyed many good men. They had a talent, and they worked hard, so they soon profited. They beat the competition and rose to the top. But they became intoxicated with their own success. They began to think that they were smarter or stronger than everyone else. And that’s where pride deceived them so that they made a fatal error. It brought the reproach of many upon them. And once their reputation was ruined, it could never be rebuilt.

God had given David the desires of his heart. He became a great leader and subdued nations because the LORD was with him. But David avoided the deception of pride—at least at first. How did he do it?

First, David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel. Who was David when God called him? He was a shepherd boy caring for his father Jesse’s sheep. God took him from the sheepfolds and anointed him to be king of Israel. His appointment was all by grace. We must all remember where we came from and what we were doing when God called us to follow Jesus. Every good thing we’ve done or become has only been by grace. When the Corinthians thought too highly of themselves, Paul wrote to them:

“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7, NKJV)

Second, David realized that God had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. David was not successful for his own glory or pleasure. God did not exalt David and help him subdue nations because He loved David more than other men. True, David was a man after God’s own heart, and God loved him. But God would have loved David no less if he had continued to be a shepherd for his entire life, as had Jacob. The LORD made David king and blessed his kingdom for the sake of His people. He wanted them to have a godly leader. He wanted them to prosper. He wanted them to worship Him in spirit and truth, and so He raised up David as shepherd, warrior, king and worshiper. As the sweet psalmist of Israel, David led the people to trust in the LORD with all their hearts.

We would all be wise to follow David's example. Let us carefully consider that God gifts us, blesses us and uses us, because He loves His people and has chosen us to serve them well. May God help us do these things so that He may freely bless us without it ruining us!