Internal & External Excellence | 1 Samuel 16:16-23

Are you working on both your internal and external qualifications?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 16. I've titled this chapter "God's Criteria for Choosing Leaders."

Yesterday, we discovered a rush of the Spirit onto David and off Saul. The problem is so noticeable that King Saul's aids have a potential and interesting solution to the problem. Here is it in verse 16-23:

Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well." So Saul said to his servants, "Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me." One of the young men answered, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him." Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me David your son, who is with the sheep." And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight." And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.  — 1 Samuel 16:16-23

This is a fascinating moment. God's divine baton is being realized by supernatural means, and at the same time, we learn David has some very pronounced external qualities that are the making of a great resume:

Musician.
Brave.
Fighter.
Articulate.
Handsome.

This is a pretty good resume for a fifteen-year-old boy. But remember, God did not choose David for his external qualities alone but because of his heart. Even so, these are impressive external qualities that others have noticed. Because of them, two unlikely men will meet, making for an improbable alliance that will change their lives and legacies.

We should pay attention to both our internal and external qualities. Having a great heart and pure motivation is great, but this is no excuse for being or acting sloppy. Young men should hear a call to action in this. Groom yourself. Work on manners. Improve your communication. Perfect a craft. Dress appropriately. Present yourself well.

At the same time, the point is not to become overly consumed with external matters. There is a point at which external matters no longer matter, and we use them to mask who we are. Too many men are overdeveloped on the outside and underdeveloped on the inside. Don't be motivationally immature. Remember, external matters matter, but only if we care about the matters of our heart. If we do both well, we might one day find ourselves standing in the office of the man whose role we will ultimately assume.

#LeadershipGrowth, #InnerCharacter, #MenOfFaithsobey

Ask This:
How are you intentionally developing your inner character and outward presence to align with God's calling in your life?
In what areas might you be focusing too much on external appearances, and how can you redirect your attention to cultivating a heart that honors God?
Do This:

Be consistent on the inside and out.

Pray This:

Lord, help me cultivate a pure heart and strong character so that my actions and appearance reflect Your purpose for my life. May I never neglect the inner work You are doing in me but strive to grow in every area for Your glory. Amen.

Play This:

Same God.