I Samuel 17:26-27
“David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?””
“David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the Living God?””
David says two things that illustrate the essential human condition. “What’s in it for me,” is the self speaking. “How dare he insult the armies of the living god,” is the Spirit at work in the anointed king of Israel. In the next verses David goes on to slay this giant Philistine. God worked through David because it served God’s purpose, not because David had the perfect attitude.
Lord, I am so weary of this tug of war with my self, this daily battle filling every moment. Forgive me when I give in. May I always be willing to do your work in any instant. Keep this raging self within under your control.