Topic: Self-Restraint Please [Saturday February 25, 2017]
Text: 1 Samuel 18:22-30
Key Verse: “And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25).
Offering bribes, gifts, gratifications, is a well-oiled strategy in the secular world to influence decisions, solicit assistance, curry favour and pervert the course of justice. King Saul was very adept at this strategy. He had become envious of David whose popularity had spread throughout Israel because of his military conquests. David’s Lord was with him and everywhere he went, he behaved so wisely that even Saul’s daughter, Michal, fell in love with him.
That was the opening Saul needed to perfect his evil plot. Did David weigh the offer? Did he exercise restraints? Did the man after God’s heart seek the face of God on this matter? Did he smell a rat? He didn’t feel anything fishy in the royal offer. Always wisely examine every proposal, offer, gift brought to you, including those by seemingly well-meaning people. Do not be in a hurry to accept suggestions to do something or enter into every attractive great and good deal. They may appear juicy, demanding little or nothing from you. Nothing of value and enduring comes cheap.
Always look out for a hidden trap or trick that could throw you into a public scandal and shame or bring you earthly or eternal death. When you come to a crossroads in life, always ask for the grace of God to help you handle all such tricky and tempting situations. If you apply self-restraint and listen, a small voice will tell you what to say or do. Self-restraint is a virtue not a vice.
Thought for the day: It is wisdom to refuse unsolicited gifts.
Bible Reading in one Year: Psalm 131-138
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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