“Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.” (1Sam. 16:18)
If there is one thing that today’s generation is lacking, it is character. David was greatly used of God because he had four characteristics that God could use.
FIRST—He Was A Hard Worker.
The reason David wasn’t at home when Samuel came to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be king was because he was in the field working. God will not use a lazy individual; He is looking for hard workers.
SECOND—He Did Right When No One Was Watching.
Some people goof off at work until the boss comes around. When he is not watching they are not working. Not so with David. He didn’t need his father out in the field supervising him, making sure he did his job. He had the character to do his job even when no one was watching him.
THIRD—He Prepared Himself.
The Bible says David was “cunning in playing” the harp. He was a skilled musician. It took a lot of practice and discipline to be a skilled harp player, but David prepared himself. It also says he was “a mighty valiant man, and a man of war.” He was able to defeat Goliath because he had prepared himself for battle.
FOURTH—He Was Submissive To His God-Given Authorities.
David was loyal to his leader before he ever became a leader himself. You are not qualified to be a leader until you are willing to follow leadership, yourself. A lot of people want to BE the authority, but are unwilling to submit to the authority they already have.
Do you want God to use you? Make sure you have these four characteristics in your life.