Psalm 45:7 
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; 
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions 
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
(NIV)

You love the right
and hate the wrong.
And that is why God, your very own God,
poured fragrant oil on your head,
Marking you out as king
from among your dear companions.
(The Message)

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What distinguishes you from others? 

What characteristics make you stand out from the crowd? 

What separates you from the common and ordinary?

Some people are excellent athletes like those competing in the Winter Olympics. Others are masters of ideas like university professors. Still others are craftsmen producing beautifully ornamental homes and furnishings. 

There are those who are so accomplished at crossword puzzles that they fill the squares with ink instead of pencil. 

What do you do better than ten thousand others? You may not be the best in the world, but you stand out in most crowds. You quickly identify others who share your gifts, and you celebrate your common excellence. 

The Sons of Korah, the guys who wrote this psalm, is an edgy name for a boy band if you know the family’s history. Return to Numbers 16 for the sordid tale of Korah’s rebellion. See Numbers 26:11 for the answer to how the Korah Boys Choir could exist after what happened in Numbers 16.

The Sons of Korah saw in King David characteristics that set him apart from the majority of men of his day and from other leaders, whether appointed or placed in power. What set David apart?

“You love the right
and hate the wrong.”

We are attracted to what we love. King David loved God and wrote many songs of such depth and texture that we sing them and say them still three thousand years after quill met parchment. 

King David loved what was right, just, fair, kind, and compassionate. He excelled at doing the right thing the right way for the right reason in the right timing. 

David excelled in this quality to such a degree that God anointed him and established him as king. 

Assess yourself. What qualities of excellence not only set you apart from ten thousand others but catch God’s eye and warm his heart? What about you makes God smile? 

A good mentor or leadership coach helps people see their strengths more clearly. He or she helps others see themselves through God’s eyes. What does this make possible? When we see ourselves as God sees us, we begin to understand why on earth we are here. Life becomes purposeful and meaningful. Work ceases feeling laborious and transitions into missional delight. 

Who can help you assess your best strengths that honor God and serve others? 

Who can help you build a better life by deploying what you do best in service to God and people?

Who can you help see themselves through God’s eyes and notice the strengths he has given them as a blessing for the whole world?

One last question: Whose praise do you need to sing like the Korah Boys sang about King David? Honor those who live and love honorably. 

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I will help people see themselves as God sees them and honor them for their outstanding character.

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Our Father, help us see ourselves as you see us. Empower us to fully express the good gifts you have given us for the purpose of serving others in your name. Teach us to sing the praises of those who exalt you in how they live. Amen.