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The Measure of True Greatness

True greatness cannot be measured by wealth, status, achievements, or accolades. While the world celebrates Oscar winners and record-breaking athletes, God's standard of greatness focuses on how we live our lives, not what we achieve. As demonstrated in Job 1:8, where God declares Job's greatness, true greatness is possible for believers who walk in wisdom and obedience.

Walking in Wisdom

David exemplified wisdom in three key areas of life:

Managing Promotions

After killing Goliath, David remained humble and didn't allow victory to inflate his ego. Though anointed by Samuel as future king, he was content to climb one step at a time, letting promotion come to him rather than pursuing it. This demonstrates the importance of guarding against pride when God grants success.

Handling Problems

Even when Saul attempted to kill him, David maintained his integrity and refused to become bitter or seek revenge. True greatness is revealed in continuing to walk righteously even when circumstances turn against us. David's response to adversity demonstrated exceptional character.

Navigating Possibilities

Despite opportunities to seize power, David waited on God's timing. Though married into Saul's family and more popular than the king himself, David refused to elevate himself. He remained content to wait for God's promotion rather than grasping at position through his own efforts.

Maintaining Right Priorities

David's greatness was evident in three aspects of his priorities:

Surrender

Despite knowing Saul wanted him dead, David continued serving faithfully in the palace, playing music to soothe the troubled king. He remained surrendered to his duties regardless of personal risk.

Steadfastness

When Saul twice attempted to kill him, David didn't quit or resign - he steadfastly continued his assigned responsibilities. His commitment to his duties wasn't derailed by opposition or danger.

Submission

Though anointed as future king, David humbly submitted to Saul's authority and carried out his new assignments with excellence. He understood that God's calling required patient submission to present circumstances.

Proper Perception

David's greatness was reflected in how he was perceived:

Private Perception

Saul viewed David with jealous hatred, recognizing in him the godly character he himself lacked. He saw David's faithful walk with God and tried to destroy him for it.

Public Perception

The people of Israel, including Saul's own servants and children, recognized God's hand on David's life. His conduct earned widespread respect and admiration.

Personal Perception

Remarkably, David remained unaware of his own greatness. When offered marriage into the royal family, he spoke only of his unworthiness. True greatness is marked by genuine humility rather than self-promotion.

The Foundation of Relationship

The source of David's greatness was his relationship with God. His walk with the Lord enabled everything else in his life. As expressed in Psalm 23:1, David knew God personally rather than through others' experiences. His resources and abilities flowed from God's presence with him.

True greatness comes through knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and allowing Him to live through us. It's not found in achievements or recognition, but in who we are and whose we are. When we maintain right relationship with God and unity with fellow believers, His power becomes evident in our lives.

The pathway to genuine greatness begins with salvation through Christ, continues through sanctification, and manifests in a life that reflects Jesus Himself. This is the greatness that leaves an eternal legacy, impacting others for God's kingdom rather than seeking earthly acclaim.