Date: Thursday, 12th September, 2024
Text: 1 Samuel 16:14-19
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Nobody exists in isolation. The saying that no man is an island to himself suggests that no one is self-sufficient. We are social beings that interact with and need one another. Whether you realize it or not people are watching you from far and near and they make their inferences and conclusions about your personality. You may either agree or disagree, the truth is that the conclusions they make about you go a long way to determine your future, be it good or bad.
Just like we get report cards from school which determine a lot about our future; people have their unwritten report cards which they carry about in their hearts concerning others around them.
David was just minding his business as a shepherd boy tending his father’s sheep and practising with his harp. Little did he know that people were observing, watching and forming their opinions about him.
The D-day finally came when his report was to speak for him. King Saul was having mental issues because the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him. He needed an anointed musician to minister to him; then somebody gave a good report about David. He said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him. Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.” 1 Samuel 16:18-19
What a fantastic recommendation! They rolled out his social CV and the king had no option but to employ the services of David, an unknown shepherd boy from the rural village of Bethlehem. He started wining and dining with the king just because somebody recommended him.
Some people say they don’t care what people say about them. You have to care so as to build a good reputation before God and Man.
Action Nugget: People’s opinion about you can make or mar you. Be careful!