Read 1 Samuel 23 – 25
Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privately. And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. 1 Samuel 24:4-6 KJV
Most of us have no idea just how important it is to give honor to those in authority over us. We think we have a right to speak poorly of them and even to treat them poorly if we don’t like their policies, but this is not a right given to us God’s Word. The Bible teaches we are to honor those who have authority over us and pray for them. Certainly if anyone had a right to speak against and to act against an authority figure, David did. Saul had been chasing him around the country seeking to do him harm; his intent was to kill him. At night, while Saul slept, David got past his guards and cut off part of his garment. He was making an obvious point to Saul. But David’s heart troubled him for even touching Saul without honor. No wonder David was a man after God’s own heart! As Christians, we should be ashamed for the way we often speak about and treat those who are over us.
Lord, forgive me for the way I have sometimes thought and talked about those that have authority over me. What foolishness on my part. Help me give honor where honor is due.
