When it comes to our attitude toward God’s people, we must realize that God’s church is not a place where I come to fulfill all my dreams and desires. The kingdom of God is God’s kingdom, not ours, and his people do not exist to serve our interests. Saul lorded it over his army. To him they were an instrument to be used in a quest for personal vengeance. Let us be careful that that same attitude does not spoil our relationships with one another. Certainly, our brothers and sisters in Christ are here to help us, but we do not come only to consume. We come to serve, to seek God’s kingdom. That will mean setting aside some of my own preferences and showing an interest in the lives of others. For example, instead of thinking, Who will come to speak to me after the service and ask about my life?
consider Who can I go and speak to?
or Who can I encourage?
24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food.