Daily Devotion: Fairness and giving

Fairness and Giving

“David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.”

- 1 Samuel 30:23-25


One reason why David was a good King and blessed by God is because he shared. He was not greedy in his dealings with treasure and plunder. Even when a part of his army was too exhausted to go and fight – taking back their belongings, wives, and children that were plundered by another nation, David made it a rule that all the “extra’s” that were plundered needed to be shared equally among all the men…I believe that it created the feeling of equality among his men. David, however, probably had a larger portion because he was their leader. But just because he was the leader didn't mean that he kept all for himself. He then gave to the elders and friends in different cities who have helped him and his men in the past. (1 Sam 30:26-31)

On my road to not just becoming a “better” person, living actively in service to God, I need to learn to be more giving. I need to give to God my tithes and offerings, to those who are my friends and are in need. But also to those who are needy, like the Egyptian that David and his army came across while looking for the Amalekites. This is just a small part, but good part, that’ll help me to become all that God has created me to be.

In my devotions on this day, I leaned that giving and being fair in the sight of God is more important than in the sight of men. Giving of my time, my finances, my love, friendship, to both God and people are important. It is because this life is situated around relationships. Whether it is looked upon something that is seen as shallow - for money only, or sex only, or something more meaningful (like doing devotions: making the time with God, or marriage - intimacy at it's deepest level. Perhaps there were even tactical and military advantages to not bringing the tired men along as well. Giving gave David favor with both God and man; I believe that it also taught him, or trained him, to not be greedy or quick for gain during that time.

Thank you for reading my devotions for today. I hope to do this daily for myself and to encourage others who are curious, or are seasoned warriors, and want to press into knowing this awesome God.

Daily seeking our God,

istyles