Are your problems bigger than your belief? Let’s take a look at David and Goliath to readjust our attitude

Have you ever looked at a situation and had it overshadow your faith in God‘s ability to overcome it? Don’t worry, it’s happened to all of us at one time in our lives. So to help you to regain your faith in God, and to give you the strength to fight the battles in your life, I’ve summarized the story of David and Goliath below. To read the story in it’s entirety, go to 1st Samuel. At the end of this saga, I want you to consider a few questions to help you through your struggles. Use what David went through as an example of how to tackle the difficult times in your life. The obstacles in your life are nothing but Goliaths, and you are the David. Pray on them, gird up, and put that rock right between the eyes of your situation. Having said that, here we go my friends……

The Philistine army had gathered for war against Israel. The two armies faced each other, camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. A Philistine giant measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armor came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. His name was Goliath. Saul, the King of Israel, and the whole army were terrified of Goliath.

One day David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent to the battle lines by his father to bring back news of his brothers. David was probably just a young teenager at the time. While there, David heard Goliath shouting his daily defiance and he saw the great fear stirred within the men of Israel. David responded, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of God?”

So David volunteered to fight Goliath. It took some persuasion, but King Saul finally agreed to let David fight against the giant. Dressed in his simple tunic, carrying his shepherd’s staff, slingshot and a pouch full of stones, David approached Goliath. The giant cursed at him, hurling threats and insults.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied … today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel … it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

As Goliath moved in for the kill, David reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at Goliath’s head. Finding a hole in the armor, the stone sank into the giant’s forehead and he fell face down on the ground. David then took Goliath’s sword, killed him and then cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. So the Israelites pursued, chasing and killing them and plundering their camp.

Points of Interest from the David and Goliath Story:

• Why did they wait forty days to begin the battle? Probably for several reasons. Everyone was afraid of Goliath. He seemed invincible. Not even King Saul, the tallest man in Israel, had stepped out to fight. Also, the sides of the valley were very steep. Whoever made the first move would have a strong disadvantage and probably suffer great loss. Both sides were waiting for the other to attack first.

• David chose not to wear the King’s armor because it felt cumbersome and unfamiliar. David was comfortable with his simple slingshot, a weapon he was skilled at using. God will use the unique skills he’s already placed in your hands, so don’t worry about “wearing the King’s armor.” Just be yourself and use the familiar gifts and talents God has given you. He will work miracles through you.

• David’s faith in God caused him to look at the giant from a different perspective. Goliath was merely a mortal man defying an all-powerful God. David looked at the battle from God’s point of view. If we look at giant problems and impossible situations from God’s perspective, we realize that God will fight for us and with us. When we put things in proper perspective, we see more clearly and we can fight more effectively.

• When the giant criticized, insulted and threatened, David didn’t stop or even waver. Everyone else cowered in fear, but David ran to the battle. He knew that action needed to be taken. David did the right thing in spite of discouraging insults and fearful threats. Only God’s opinion mattered to David.

Questions for Reflection:

Are you facing a giant problem or impossible situation? Stop for a minute and refocus. Can you see the situation more clearly from God’s vantage point?

Do you need to take courageous action in the face of insults and fearful circumstances? Do you trust that God will fight for you and with you? Remember, God’s opinion is the only one that matters.

How to break up with bad company

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”-1 Corinthians 15:33

It is impossible to live a life that is unaffected by other people. Their attitudes and opinions, like pollen, blow into our lives, shaping our perspective and influencing our decisions. When one godly person’s life sharpens another’s, it’s a good thing. It yields a harvest of mature fruit over time.

But I can think of several instances in my life when I allowed the negative influence of others to sway my better judgment. It started when I was young.

In grammar school: “Come on, we can sneak into the classroom without the teacher ever knowing.” He knew.

In high school: “Don’t be such a drag. The toga party will be a blast!” With so much alcohol available, my friends couldn’t remember what kind of party it was.

In college: “Let’s get pizza. It won’t hurt to skip class today.” Unless, of course, the professor covered topics that weren’t in the book. He did.

As a young married woman: “Don’t you think your husband is too tight with money?” He wasn’t. But I didn’t have enough discernment yet to realize how this older woman’s suggestion undermined my marriage.

Like many things in life, the moments in which we’ve been swayed by bad influences are often easier to see with hindsight. I’d like to think that as a “big girl” now, my judgment and perspective would keep me from being led astray. Unfortunately, I still have blind spots. I’m still vulnerable to being influenced toward ungodly attitudes and actions. The process can be so subtle that I don’t even notice.

Recently at the gym, for instance, another woman who was working out joked with me about people who overeat and remain obese. It felt gratifying to be counted among the “in crowd.” When I got home, however, God’s Spirit convicted me: her “compliment” was really a self-righteous jab at others who struggled—a jab I had agreed with. Our conversation had made me feel good at others’ expense. Even if I usually exercised self-control in the kitchen, my critical tongue could stand to lose a few pounds.

Moments of conviction such as the one I had that day have spurred me to think about how other people’s negative influence works in our lives. The Apostle Paul succinctly described this dynamic in our relationships: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Cor. 15:33). Given this reality, how do we recognize and respond to the people in our lives who may indeed be “bad company”?

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Perhaps the first step is to identify the people whom Scripture warns us to beware of. Proverbs, especially, describes a number of foolish behaviors we would do well to avoid when we see them in others: gossip and division (16:28), anger and violence (16:29), lying (12:22), greed (15:27), and lack of compassion (29:7).

Paul instructed us to avoid another form of influence:

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

—1 Cor. 5:11

Paul understood that when people who called themselves Christians surrendered to sinful lifestyles, it dulled their ability to discern right and wrong (1 Tim. 4:1-2). They, in turn, drew others into their folly. For Paul, some of the biggest potential enemies to spiritual growth were not those outside the church who were engaged in blatant sin, but those inside it.

At times I’ve been tempted to believe I could easily spot bad company. But recognizing someone’s negative influence hasn’t been automatic for me—just as I realized the day I got home from the gym. Scripture affirms what I’ve experienced: Negative influence isn’t always obvious. Again and again, we’re warned to be on the lookout for wolves in sheep’s clothing, outwardly “spiritual” people who lead God’s children astray (2 Thess. 2:3, 2 Pet. 3:17, 1 Jn. 4:1).

How do we learn to discern? In addition to keeping an eye open for the characters described above, it’s critical to understand how the corrupting power of bad company works and why we sometimes give in to its influence.

In the Company of Sin

In Hebrews we read, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Heb. 12:1). It is the nature of sin to entangle, to trip us up, to drag us down. When we’re around those whose lives are enmeshed in sin, we are exposed to its entangling influence in at least three ways: through the appeal of rebellion, through the desire for man’s approval, and through the inherent pleasure of sin.

The appeal of rebellion. If you have raised a child, then you already know rebellion lies at the heart of man. “No” is one of the first words out of most children’s little mouths. Growing up doesn’t change that tendency. We don’t like anyone telling us what to do—not even God. Submitting our lives to His leadership is hard for us, and it was hard for some of the characters in the Scriptures.

Moses’ cousin Korah influenced 250 Israelite men to reject the authority God had given to Moses and Aaron. Korah didn’t have to work too hard to rally support; he merely stoked the rebellious fire of the men who disagreed with God’s methods for setting up the priesthood. These men joined Korah’s rebellion and suffered the consequences of God’s judgment for doing so (Num. 16:1-35). Korah’s wicked influence proved to be their doom.

The sinful nature of our hearts predisposes us all to rebellion. Like Eve in the garden, we are easily enticed to disobey God through the snakelike influence of bad company.

The desire for man’s approval. Accolade. Kudos. Respect. We all crave the endorsements we believe will validate our worthiness as a person. But when our desire to please the crowd overshadows our reverence for God, we’ve allowed man’s influence in our lives to supercede His. Sometimes the cost of doing so is far greater than we ever imagined. For Saul, the first king of Israel, the price of man’s approval was ultimately his monarchy.

Saul and his army were stationed at Gilgal waiting for Samuel, the priest, to arrive before the great battle. It was Samuel’s responsibility—his alone—to offer the burnt offering to God. But the prophet was tardy, and Saul grew nervous as his jittery army started to scatter. Their impatience influenced Saul to do what was forbidden: offer the sacrifice himself (1 Sam. 13:1-14).

When Samuel arrived, he pronounced words of judgment upon Saul that foretold his fall and the loss of his kingship: “You have acted foolishly…. Your kingdom will not endure” (vv. 13-14). The influence of Saul’s men compelled him to submit to their fear instead of God’s sovereignty. Saul cared more about his army’s approval that day than He did God’s explicit commands.

Likewise, when someone influences us to make a choice we know is wrong, we have, in effect, decided that person’s approval is more important to us than God’s.

The pleasure of sin. Let’s face it: Sin is pleasurable, at least in the beginning. Whether it’s the excessive use of something that we could be thankful for in moderation or the tantalizing allure of illicit pursuits, sin promises to satisfy our deepest longings. Eventually, however, everyone who indulges in sin will pay the price.

Take chocolate for example.

If I were to eat as much chocolate as I wanted (which is a lot), whenever I wanted (which is often), I would be enjoying the sinful pleasure of gluttony. Eating chocolate is not sin in and of itself; my overconsumption of it is. In my case, sin finds me out when I step on the scale.

Usually, sin’s siren song is most tempting when I’m struggling to cope with life. During such times, I must be aware of those who would have me believe the pleasures of sin aren’t worth worrying about. If I comment to a friend that I need to restrain my appetite in this area, and she responds, “Oh come on, it’s not that big a deal,” I need to pay attention to her negative influence upon me.

Going Down?

Sometimes negative influence is obvious because it encourages us to indulge a known weakness. At other times, however, corrupting influence is more subtle. It may not lead to blatantly sinful decisions. Instead, we may have little more than a troubling sense that something isn’t quite right in this relationship.

How can we tell when we’re being influenced negatively? Here are some telltale signs:

• if we feel consistently heavyhearted, agitated, or depressed after spending time with someone
• if we’re violating areas of conviction
• if we’re making questionable decisions that were never options before
• if we’re more lax regarding areas of weakness
• if we’re rationalizing behavior or thoughts that we previously avoided

These neon signs alert us to the possibility that someone’s effect on our lives is pulling us the wrong way.

Influence, Limited

Once we’ve identified someone as a negative influence, the next step is to decide what to do about it. Broadly speaking, I think there are two important parts to our response. First, we need to decide how much to limit our exposure to the person in question. Second, we should seek the protective influence of healthy relationships with other believers and place ourselves under the influence of God’s Word and His Spirit.

Limiting exposure. The first step in dealing with a negative influence is to reduce the amount of exposure we have to that person. I don’t think there’s a set formula for discerning where to establish protective boundaries. Just because someone influences us negatively in one area doesn’t mean she can’t make a positive contribution in another. Because of that, I’ve found it best to ask God how He wants me respond. He has promised that He’ll give me wisdom when I ask for it (Jas. 1:5).

I’ve also learned that limiting a negative influence usually involves one or more of the following steps:

• Setting parameters. We might not have a problem spending time with this person in the office, but we may need to forgo having a drink together after work.
• Distancing yourself. We may need some space for a time in order to decide how to handle the situation.
• Fleeing. Sometimes drastic measures are necessary, and we must flee unrighteousness (1 Cor. 6:18, 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:22). When our soul is in immediate peril because we’re tempted to sin by someone’s bad influence, we simply need to get out—just as Joseph did when he fled the advances of Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:1-12).

Another decision we’ll have to make is whether or not to communicate with this person about our reasons for limiting contact or ending the relationship.

I once had a coworker whose outlook on life was consistently negative. Because I, too, had struggled with pessimism, I knew that spending time with her could drag me down. At first, I chose to avoid her. Eventually, I decided I could spend time with her if others were present to offset her negativity. Relating to her in a group protected me from being overly swayed by her gloom.

In retrospect, I wonder if telling her about my struggle with her pessimism might have been a better solution. Sometimes talking openly with someone about her influence can open the door to a deeper relationship. It might also encourage her to take inventory of her own vulnerabilities.

However, there are also times when it’s best to act without explanation. For example, if we have concerns about a person’s trustworthiness, it’s probably better to limit our vulnerability.

Submitting to positive influences. In addition to limiting negative input, we also need to submit our lives to the positive influences that will protect us.

• Submission to other believers. Who are the good influencers in our lives? Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one just as He and the Father are one (Jn. 17:20-23). He knew that the temptation to follow the crowd would be great; I believe that’s one reason He emphasized unity with other believers. Being in relationship with like-minded friends shields us from the corrupting power of bad company.
• Confession. One way we can express our submission to other believers is to confess our sin (Jas. 5:16). If we’ve repeatedly been drawn into another person’s entangling influence, we may need help to break free.

Confession is an important first step; it frees us from false guilt and gives us an opportunity to recommit to pursuing a holy life. Confession also paves the way for others to protect us where we’re vulnerable through their ongoing encouragement and support.

• Submission to God through His Word and prayer. Joshua 1:8 commands us, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.”

When I focus on God’s truth, it transforms my thinking (Ro. 12:2). The Word inoculates my mind against the lies and deception of sin, and I am less likely to make choices that fly in the face of God’s commands.

As we encounter Scriptures that address our temptations and struggles, our response is to submit ourselves to God in prayer. Through prayer, we allow our hearts, minds, and wills to be influenced by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Bad company does indeed corrupt good character. But if we remain vigilant, if we’re honest about our own weaknesses, and if we seek out the protective, positive resources God has graciously given us, we do not have to be drawn into the destructive power of sin.

By God’s grace, we’ll grow in exercising the kind of Christlike influence He wants us to embody in our relationships.

Be careful to take credit.

Isaiah 10:15 Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, Or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood!

One constant pitfall we must watch for is taking credit for something that God does in or through us, or using the gifts and callings of God for self-exaltation. In that light it may be easier to handle poverty, weakness, or insignificance, than wealth, ability, power or authority, since poverty and frailty are not normally things we boast about, and they cause us to recognize our need for God. Prosperity, gifting, and anointing, on the other hand can be powerful temptations, leading to pride, covetousness, and self-sufficiency.

Saul, who came from a humble background, was anointed king of Israel, yet his heart was revealed when the Lord exalted him, but he exulted in his own position, eventually coveting it so severely he became a fierce enemy of God. The Lord then removed His spirit from Saul and the true condition of the man became apparent to everyone.

Even the great Solomon whose gifting, anointing, and prosperity were unsurpassed in some ways, seems to have taken for granted his abilities and wealth, and, somehow, rationalizing his blatant disobedience to God’s law, he fell into idolatry and brought disaster to the Kingdom of Israel. This seems amazing, given the fact that Solomon’s most precious gift was his wisdom. (Those with this gift should take note).

Be careful how you handle the gifts and successes that God gives you! Enjoy His blessings as you serve in your family, business, or ministry – but never forget where it all comes from, and to whom the glory belongs, cause if you do, He will be sure to remind you.

A touchy subject…mental illness

^{1 Samuel 16:14-23 14} Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil^[a] spirit from the Lord tormented him.¹⁵ Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”¹⁷ So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”¹⁸ One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”¹⁹ Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” ²⁰ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.²¹ David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. ²² Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”²³ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Saul showed all the classic signs and symptoms in today’s passage of what we would classify in today’s world, mental illness, including wide mood swings, and fits of depression and anger. Any person can develop these types of crippling emotional setbacks for many reasons. In this case, scripture shows us that “a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled” Saul (16:14). Sauls heart was turned from God, so God knowingly allowed the affliction of the Spiritof distress-maybe a demonic influence-to occur. Not all mental disorders are a resut of direct demonic influence, but like any sickness or disease, many of the battles over our minds is a result of the fall, and Satans presence in this world. Some are a result of physical or chemical inbalances and can be treated like any other disease. In either case, the mind can be an incredible influence on us and needs to be gurded with prayer, and meditation on God’s word. That my friends is the best way to handle the affliction that so many face. That and compassion towards those facing it.