The Price for Success

“So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments.

The women sang as they played, and said,
‘Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands.’
Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?’ Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.

Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul's hand. Saul hurled the spear for he thought, ‘I will pin David to the wall.’ But David escaped from his presence twice. Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them.” 1 Samuel 18:5-16

You’ve worked for this promotion for years. You’ve studied, learned, applied your skills, and prayed for God’s best. Finally you’ve got it; it’s yours. But something else can also accompany your prize - the proverbial cold shoulder from those you thought were your closest friends. Such is sometimes the price for success. We may gain the admiration and congratulations of some - but also the envy, jealousy, and suspicion of others. How do we respond in such a situation so that our testimony for the Savior shines through?

First, we remain thoroughly humble. Though David had slain “his ten thousands” and Saul only “his thousands” (verse 7), there is never any haughty air about David. He never brags on himself or flaunts his triumphs. You never read of David handing out his business cards that say, “King David G.G.K.” (Great Giant Killer). We can remain humble as we give the credit for our success to God, recognizing Him as the Source of our blessings. Yes, we work hard; but we understand that He alone is the Giver of all good gifts.

Second, we remain thoroughly committed to servanthood. The greater our popularity and authority, the deeper our obligations to serve. If we work to encourage and promote those in our care, then we are truly successful.

Remember - “...And a man is tested by the praise accorded him.” Proverbs 27:21