King David was a pre-renaissance man. He played a mean harp. He wrote some amazing poetry. And, of course, he was a valiant warrior. He was the complete package. But what might be most impressive to me is the way he treated Saul when Saul was trying to kill him. Not once but twice he had the opportunity to kill Saul in self-defense. It certainly would have been justified. But David refused to take matters into his own hands. He said, "God forbid that I should lay a finger on God's anointed."
I think there is a lesson to be learned. I know a lot of pastors on a lot of church staffs that feel like they are working for Saul. They are frustrated for a variety of reasons. And some of them legitimate. But let me try to shed some perspective on your situation. First of all, is your boss trying to kill you? No? Then it's not nearly as bad as David. And even David respected the position even if he couldn't respect the person. If there is heresy or immorality involved, then you certainly need the courage to confront. I'm not advocating moral or theological compromise. But if it's a difference in personality or philosophy then you need to learn submission whether you are right or wrong. I've always believed that how you treat those in authority will determine how you're treated when you're in authority. If you disrespect them you will be disrespected. But if you give respect then you'll earn respect.
The seasons in life when you're working for Saul aren't enjoyable. But they can be profitable if you learn the lessons God wants to teach you. Nothing prepares you to be inside the palace like spending some time outside the palace hiding out in caves.
And for the record, you aren't serving Saul. You're serving Christ. David knew that and that's why he put matters into God's hands.
I think there is a lesson to be learned. I know a lot of pastors on a lot of church staffs that feel like they are working for Saul. They are frustrated for a variety of reasons. And some of them legitimate. But let me try to shed some perspective on your situation. First of all, is your boss trying to kill you? No? Then it's not nearly as bad as David. And even David respected the position even if he couldn't respect the person. If there is heresy or immorality involved, then you certainly need the courage to confront. I'm not advocating moral or theological compromise. But if it's a difference in personality or philosophy then you need to learn submission whether you are right or wrong. I've always believed that how you treat those in authority will determine how you're treated when you're in authority. If you disrespect them you will be disrespected. But if you give respect then you'll earn respect.
The seasons in life when you're working for Saul aren't enjoyable. But they can be profitable if you learn the lessons God wants to teach you. Nothing prepares you to be inside the palace like spending some time outside the palace hiding out in caves.
And for the record, you aren't serving Saul. You're serving Christ. David knew that and that's why he put matters into God's hands.
13 Comments:
Thinking that this could also apply to those of us working for Sauls outside of church.
Thinking you're right :)
Mark - excellent post. I speak from personal experience on a church staff over 10 years ago where my loyalty to my pastor was questioned because I didn't keep my mouth shut and submit to his authority. The book The Tale of Three Kings goes into great detail regarding the relationships of Saul, David, and Absalom regarding this topic.
This doesn't just apply to pastors but to ANYone working within a group or hierarchy. And I am convicted by this.
I was also going to recommend Tale of Three Kings, but I see someone beat me to it. Fantastic book.
You are right on target, Mark. I've been there, done that. Submission to leadership was hard (extremely hard!), but so worth it. God blesses those who humble themselves... I'm living proof that submission is the best policy.
Great post Mark. I will say however that, from my experience properly honoring and submitting to the authority over you will not guarantee those under you will reciprocate when you are in the lead. Jesus perfectly submitted to the father and he was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter and abandoned by the others. Honoring those in authority is always right to do, not because it will work out for you, but because it is always right to do! Thanks for your courage to address these things. I always gain something when I read your blog.
GREAT thought and lessons to learn.
Wow! Just got off my flight and was reading this EXACT story about David's treatment of Saul on the plane. I'm SO impressed by David here...and God must be saying something to me today about submission to authority. Thanks!
Glad we don't live in Davids day. It would have been hard. Also glad the first century church was different in chain of authority.
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This pre-NT thinking. Jesus is perfect theology, and he was an irritation to the synagogue system, Pharisees, Sadducees, Herod, and Rome. Paul didn't show deference to Peter. We have the power and authority to curse unproductive fig trees. We were crucified in Christ, buried with Christ, raised from the dead with Christ, and ascended to heaven with Christ. We sit at the right hand of God, in Christ. David's example is documentary. Jesus' example is commentary.
Michael,
All Scripture is God-breathed. I think it's dangerous to devalue the OT in general or this story in particular.
I understand what you're saying, but I don't think it invalidates what David did. Just takes discernment to know when and how to apply a variety of biblical examples.
Mark
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