So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.
- 2 Samuel 23:16-17
 
Why wouldn’t David drink the water?
 
As a leader, David wielded enormous influence. It’s unlikely that he thought that his idle comment would produce such remarkable action. Drawing water from the well wasn’t a top priority for him … otherwise he would have led the charge.
 
We easily underestimate the influence we have on others. An idle word or comment or bit of action or inaction can carry outsized cachet. In David’s case, it caused his friends to risk their lives. 
 
David doesn’t respond to this brave act by feeling ashamed or guilty about his idle comment. He doesn’t berate himself or withdraw. He doesn’t question whether or not he should even be a leader. And he doesn’t run.
 
David also doesn’t browbeat his soldiers. He doesn’t yell at them for risking their lives on something as small as a drink of water. He doesn’t chide them for failing to operate more strategically: “If we had all charged together, we might have driven them out … now they’ll have reinforced their lines and will be even harder to defeat.”
 
Instead, David puts this act of courage into a larger framework. He is – as he always is when he’s healthy – aware of the Lord’s presence in the moment. He sees that he himself isn’t worthy of this risk, but he knows that a gift like this is perfectly suitable for the Lord.
 
David pours out the water as a drink offering, a type of sacrifice to the Lord often associated with peace and rest. He transforms their act of bravery into an act of worship.
 
We also have opportunities to connect our brave actions (and the brave actions of others) into this larger framework. We can point people to God’s active presence and look for opportunities to glorify him. We can redirect honor shown to us.
 
Take a few moments today to take stock of the way the Lord has blessed you. Thank him. Ask him to show you ways you can connect the blessings he’s given you with the worship he so rightfully deserves.