1 Samuel 30:23–25: “But David said, ‘My brethren, you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.’ And so it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.”

June 8th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

This is an example of the God-given wisdom David used in a difficult circumstance, showing kindness and justice. Often the decisions we make today have future sweeping consequences. This decision of David’s was more far reaching than he ever realized in that moment, which is actually true about much of David’s life. Many decisions he made were defining moments in both his life and the life of the nation of Israel. At this crossroads, David had a decision to make. Should he give in to these men, and let them divide the spoils only among the 400 men who fought, or should he follow his sense of fairness and make the faithful men who stayed behind to guard their supplies also be included? This young leader again went against the tide and chose to stand for what was right. In the process, he established a principle that outlived him. When he decided to stand against the giant Goliath because it was the right thing to do, he had no idea it would lead to Israel’s victory over their enemies.

The decisions we make today, right now, set a precedent for the future, which may have a far greater impact than we ever suspected on those around us. It is possible to become weary of choosing the right thing when it seems so many don’t and then receive immediate rewards. But often the results of good decisions made today are deferred, and not seen for a long time. God will reward those who remain faithful to walk with Him. Yes, the rewards are deferred, but they are also out of this world.

“LORD, keep us securely on Your path today, in every decision we face.”