Generally, successful people are polite, helpful, and kind, but we often don't see this behavior among Christians. Jesus said, Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Mathew 7.12). It is not good to disregard this guidance from the Master. You see, being brave in faith is one thing, but being brave and polite is much better in every way. Why not let the Lord teach you?

When Saul's servants saw him possessed by an evil spirit (in those days, there was no one to cast out demons), they went to the king and said that it would be best to find someone who could play the harp. In this way, the music played on this instrument would drive away the evil from the king. He agreed that they should find such a person and bring him before him.

When they saw that the king had accepted this suggestion and asked them to check if such a harpist played well, his servants rejoiced and told him that there was a son of Jesse who had such skill and other qualifications: Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.” (1 Samuel 16.18). David was prepared!

He was a first-class musician, brave and also cheerful. His demeanor caused everyone who met him to immediately like him. In addition, he was a man of war, ready to go into battle, serious in his words—he listened more than he spoke, only opening his mouth when he knew how to respond—and gentle in his presence. Now, people with David's qualities are always well received. His last virtue was having the Lord with him!

David lived in the presence of God, leading the nation as it should be led by leaders raised up by the Lord. His predecessor, King Saul, never conducted himself with prudence and therefore sinned. Solomon, David's son, was the wisest of all the rulers in the world, but because he did not watch over himself, he fell into the most hateful practices (1 Kings 3:11,12; 11:1-13). May all this serve as a warning to those who walk this world, that they may honor the Lord continually!

If we act like David, a man devoted to the Lord's command, we will also be called servants after the Father's heart. Therefore, we must walk as people who are aware of the responsibility of living for the Gospel, and then we will attain the blessing of entering into heavenly rest: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?  (Matthew 24.45). Say, “Me!”

The polite King David asked the Lord to deign to answer him, delivering him from trials, and he was certainly answered. God recorded this in His Word so that we might come before Him with the same request. David then cried out, “O Lord, make haste to help me!” and God answered him. Your prayers will also be heard if you plead as the son of Jesse did. Pray, praise, and believe!

In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares