In a sermon preached by an early apostle, King David from the Old Testament popped up as an illustration. This is what was said of him by God: He is “a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do” (NLT).

Think of that! What a challenge for each of us who claims the Name of Christ as our Savior. It calls for the question: Do I do all that God wants me to do? Does my heart beat like His? If not, then what am I lacking?

What characteristics did David possess? One of the first things I remember is David’s zeal to glorify and honor God’s Name. This is what led him to face Goliath who was deriding and defying God’s Name. Also, David loved God with all his heart (read the Psalms), with all his strength, and with all his emotions.

How can I stand up for God’s Name this week? What will it look like to love God so completely that it involves my strength, emotions, and all that I am? What should my first step be toward living this way?

Lord, help me strive to uplift Your Name today. Help me not to degrade it myself by sinning, by what I talk about, by what I approve. I want to follow You and LOVE You in the way You deserve. Amen.