Character CheckSample

REPUTATIONS

Soon after David had officially been anointed, the current king of Israel, Saul, became depressed and full of fear. Some of Saul’s servants recommended they find a good musician to come play the harp to calm him down when he started feeling troubled. One of the servants said one of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem, David, was a talented harp player. Additionally, the servant reported how David was a brave warrior, had good judgement, and how the Lord was clearly with him. Saul sent for David, and David began serving him as a musician and armor-bearer. 

In this brief passage, we see how a need was presented and David was recommended to fulfill it. David was suggested to Saul because he was a talented harp player, but any musician could have been chosen for this role. It was who David was when no one was paying attention to him that set him apart from everyone else. 

David’s reputation preceded him, but only because who he was in private determined who he was in public. David spent years in the fields as a shepherd killing bears and lions to protect his father’s sheep, preparing him to be a warrior. David spent hours playing his harp to worship the Lord when no one was listening. See, your reputation as a person of integrity cannot be instantly created. 

Integrity is forged in seasons of hiddenness.

Integrity is built from consistently choosing to submit to the Lord and doing what He commands you to do whether anyone ever sees it or not. Be more concerned with who the Holy Spirit is fashioning you to be in private and the Lord will position you for His glory at the right time. 

What is one thing you can do today to be with the Lord or serve Him that no one will know about?