2 Samuel 24, 1 Kings 1

Do people know what you believe? If you are a Christian, do they know it by your words and actions? Or, would people be startled to hear you claim the name of Christ?

After mulling through the book of Judges and the early stages of 1 Samuel, there has been a refreshing omission of a certain topic during the entire life and reign of David... there was never a mention about David following after other gods. There was no discussion of asherim poles, foreign altars and high places set up to other gods (get ready for that to change). It was a time when the story line was never driven by idol worship and God's chastening as a result. Yes, David had his mistakes. Even in today's reading he took an "unauthorized" census and brought on a pestilence which took the lives of 70,000 men! But to address the problem, David doesn't go to other deities, but rather straight to God. He builds an altar in obedience and again after that God's pestilence is quailed by prayer.

His discussions, actions, and prayers never assumed any deity involved expect God alone. As a result, there wasn't a question Whom David served. The people did not have to wonder and seek after other gods for direction or comfort. The point was settled, the God of Israel, He alone was God.

And as the leader went, so went his company. The men around him never doubted God. They always made reference to the LORD, and the LORD only. It was clear who the Israelites were to follow, and they followed their leader as he followed God.

Paul says something like that in the New Testament. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). Paul knew that as the apostolic leader of the church at Corinth, his job was to leave no doubt Whom he served; the Corinthians needed that example.

It is no different today, do people know Whom you serve? If you asked a co-worker about your faith, what would they say? Take time today to commit yourself to following God, absolutely. Many follow in name only; their trust in His sovereignty is often only as strong as their current situation and their obedience to His holy calling is seldom seen. Commit to be different!

Remember, we are called to be the light of the world so that the world may know in Whom we believe, that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.