[Life of David] Unlikely Trial, Teacher, TimingSample

Lift Up the Next Generation

We want to identify with David, but often times we identify with Saul, because we get jealous, angry, or afraid of people. Instead of lifting up the next generation, Saul tries to destroy it. Why would Saul be against David? David does nothing but bless Saul! But Saul wants to kill David, so David spends ten years hiding in the wilderness. That’s messed up. Saul should be celebrating David. He should be excited about him, not seeking to kill him.

We, as the church, and you and I, as individuals, should be lifting up the next generation. We should be able to say, “Let’s help you to get along. We want you to prosper. We want you to take it further.” We should not just help our kids. We love our kids and our grandkids—it’s easy. But we need to get outside that limited circle. When you see star performers at your office, instead of seeing them as a threat, you could say to them, “Let me teach you what I’ve learned along the years.” 

Just yesterday I conducted the funeral for my mentor. Dennis Perry was the man who led me to Christ. Later, I was his pastor. I know not Christianity without Dennis, except this week. An era has changed in my life. I interned under him. He was one of the first members on our board of directors. He performed the wedding ceremony for Kelly and I. He was my mentor of mentors. I want you know he never threw his spear at me. He never did anything but celebrate me. I was able to do things that maybe he wanted to do, that he didn’t get to do, that God didn’t have him do, but you know what? Dennis was faithful, and he always celebrated the next generation coming up. He was able to say, “Gregg, keep going.” He was such an encourager to me that I, who had been his intern, was able to be his pastor. He taught me amazing things. 

Do you see the difference? Unlike Saul, Dennis had no jealousy. No anger. No fear. He was not worried. He didn’t hurl spears or let pride get in the way. Instead, he wanted to bless and inspire the next generation. What about you? Who could you be mentoring and encouraging? Who could you celebrate and lift up?