Holding your kingdom Loosely

Which Giants Are Worth Fighting?

Saul had a kingdom to protect. He had position, authority, reputation, and all the privileges that came with being Israel’s king. Yet when Goliath stepped forward and openly defied Israel and Israel’s God, Saul did not go out to meet him.

That contrast struck me differently as I reflected on Saul during my time in the wilderness.

Goliath's challenge threatened far more than Saul's personal comfort. Day after day (for 40 days) he mocked Israel and defied the living God. Saul—the king, an experienced warrior, and a man described as physically impressive—heard those challenges along with everyone else.

Yet he remained in the camp.

Then David arrived.

David had very little personal status to defend. He wasn't king. He wasn't even part of Saul's army. He was a young shepherd who had come to bring provisions to his brothers. But David heard something different in Goliath's words. He heard God's name being dishonored.

That was a giant worth confronting.

David's concern wasn't, “What will happen to my position?” His concern was essentially, “How can this man continue to defy the living God?”

That distinction becomes especially striking when we follow Saul's story. Later, Saul was willing to expend enormous energy pursuing David through the wilderness. David threatened Saul's position, and suddenly Saul was willing to fight relentlessly. The man who would not step forward when God's glory was openly challenged became consumed with destroying the man he believed threatened his throne.

That caused me to ask an uncomfortable question: Which giants am I willing to fight?

It is easy to become courageous when something threatens our comfort, reputation, influence, or plans.

There will always be giants. Some threaten our status. Some threaten our comfort. Some threaten our plans.

And some stand in opposition to the things God has actually called us to defend. Wisdom means learning the difference.

Holding our kingdom loosely means becoming less concerned with protecting ourselves and more concerned with faithfully honoring the King.

Reflection

• What “kingdom” am I most tempted to protect—my reputation, comfort, position, plans, or influence?

• Which battles consume most of my energy?

• Am I more disturbed when something threatens me personally or when something dishonors God or harms others?

• What would it look like to constantly seek God's glory rather than my own security?

Lord, reveal the little kingdoms I am tempted to protect. Give me courage like David—not courage rooted in pride or self-preservation, but courage that seeks Your glory. Help me recognize the battles You are actually calling me to fight and trust You with those that belong in Your hands. May my life point people toward Jesus rather than toward me.