Unmistakable Allegiance | 1 Samuel 29:4-5

ANNOUNCEMENT:
After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him.

Does your obedience make your allegiance obvious?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In this chapter, we look behind enemy lines at the Philistines as they are lining up for battle. Remember, David still resides in Philistine territory; thus, Achish, a Philistine King, brings David to the battle staging area. Let's read 1 Samuel 29:4-5:

"But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, 'Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,
"Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands"?'” — 1 Samuel 29:4-5

This is more than a slightly embarrassing situation for Achish. He has brought David and his men to battle, but the other Commanders and Kings want nothing to do with David. They cannot imagine battling the Israelites before them with an Israelite “defector” taking up the rear.

The Philistine commanders recognized the risk, even when Achish didn’t.

Even though David had duped one King, he had not duped the other four Kings. David’s allegiance was too tied to his past loyalties. Even though he now lived temporarily among the Philistines, his past actions and previous allegiance echoed into the present. His reputation followed him and framed him.

So how about you? Does your obedience make your allegiance obvious?

Too often, believers live in a way that blurs their obedience and allegiance to Christ. Our lack of allegiance becomes the mark of who we are. Thus, we send mixed signals about our loyalty to the Lord. But David did the opposite. He was unmistakably known for his allegiance to God.

What reputation precedes you? If someone at work, out with your friends, or at your kid's sporting event witnessed you and examined your life from the outside, would they see someone loyal to the Lord or struggle to discern where your allegiance lies?

If you have any questions about this, it's time to declare your loyalty to the Lord today. Do so with small, consistent, allegiant actions. I promise you, these allegiant actions speak louder than you think and, over time, will define your identity and make your allegiance to the Lord obvious.

Let’s live loyal and make our loyalty to the Lord unmistakable.

#LoyalToGod, #FaithInAction, #ObedienceMatters

Ask This:
What actions in your daily life clearly show your allegiance to God?
Does your reputation reflect unwavering loyalty to Christ?
Do This:
Take a small, consistent, allegiant action.

Pray This:
Lord, help me to live in a way that makes my allegiance to You unmistakable. Strengthen my obedience so my life honors You. Amen.

Play This:
Obey.