1 Samuel 18:22-23: And Saul commanded his servants, “Communicate with David secretly, and
say, ‘Look, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become the
king’s son-in-law.’” So Saul’s servants spoke those words in the hearing of David. And David said,
“Does it seem to you a light thing to be a king’s son-in-law, seeing I am a poor and lightly
esteemed man?”
Sammy Morris was a devoted Christian from Africa who came to America go to college. Although
his pathway to service for Christ was not easy, his difficulties never deterred him. Perhaps this
was because he had learned genuine humility. When Sammy arrived at a Christian college in the
United States, the school’s president asked him what room he wanted.
The African believer replied, “If there is a room nobody wants, give it to me.” How many other
Christians would show such a humble spirit?
David felt this way about his relationship to King Saul. Saul had promised him his daughter Merab,
but the king went back on his commitment and gave her to Adriel the Meholathite (1Sam.18:17-9).
Yet instead of becoming angry, David professed his unworthiness to be the son-in-law of the king.
Then he was promised Michal, another of Saul’s daughters, and the king’s servants urged him to
accept this offer.
But again, David did not manipulate circumstances for his own gain. He humbly questioned his
suitability to join the king’s family. David refused to promote himself by marrying the king’s
daughter. He was content to let God honor him, if He so chose.
Christians sometimes view their relationship with a person or an organization as an opportunity for
their own advancement. They look for ways to turn their circumstances to their advantage. To
them, people are stepping-stones to personal glory. This leads to pride, and pride leads to
destruction (Prov. 16:18).
Take care that you do not use others for your own advancement. Be willing to wait and let God
provide success in His time and His way. You’ll be glad you did.
PRIDE DRIVES US TO ADVANCE OURSELVES; HUMILITY BIDS US TO WAIT.