There’s a story in 1 Samuel 14 that doesn’t get preached on much, but it teaches a powerful lesson. It’s about King Saul, his son Jonathan, and a group of people who stood up for what was right—even when the king was wrong.
Here’s the short version:
Israel was in a battle against the Philistines. Jonathan, Saul’s son, stepped out in faith and fought the enemy with just his armor bearer by his side. He said something amazing before the fight: “…for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). In other words, Jonathan believed God could give victory no matter how small their army was. That kind of faith is rare.
And guess what? God honored it. Jonathan and his armor bearer killed about twenty men, and that started a panic in the Philistine camp. It led to a great victory for Israel.
But while all this was happening, Saul had made a foolish oath. He told all the men they couldn’t eat anything until evening, saying “Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies” (1 Samuel 14:24). Did you catch that? Saul made the war about himself.
Jonathan didn’t hear about the command, so he ate a little honey to give him strength. Later, Saul found out and said Jonathan would have to die.
The one who brought the victory was going to be killed by his own dad.
But the people said no.
They stood up and said, “Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid… there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 14:45). And Saul backed down.
That’s rare. In those days, you didn’t talk back to the king. But the people were so moved by Jonathan’s bravery and faith, they couldn’t let injustice happen. They respected him. They saw how he lived, how he trusted God, and how he led in battle. And they stood up for him—even against the king.
Now here’s the lesson:
Live in a way that people respect.
Not just by being loud, or having a big personality, or saying the right things. But by being real. By doing what’s right even when it’s hard. By stepping out in faith when others are afraid. That kind of life doesn’t always win awards, but it wins respect from the people that matter.
Paul said something similar in the New Testament:
“But we beseech you, brethren… that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands… that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without” (1 Thessalonians 4:10–12).
It’s not about showing off. It’s about living honest, faithful, God-fearing lives. And when you do, even the world has to admit there’s something different about you.
Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
That’s what Jonathan had. A name people respected. A name worth defending.
Yes, some people won’t ever respect you for standing up for God. But God’s people notice. They see the ones who are brave. They see the ones who aren’t living for self. And when trouble comes, they’ll stand by you.
So don’t live for attention. Don’t live for likes or applause.
Live for the battle. Live for the Lord. And live in a way that people respect.
