In the legendary time of King Arthur, the British king hosted his knights, including Sir Lancelot, around the famous Round Table. Of course, he also lived in a palace and defeated barbarians in numerous battles.

Real-life kings and queens have come and gone, some wise and well-loved, others infamous. Today, twenty-nine countries have royal families. While many monarchs merely reign, others wield political power.

When the nation of Israel asked for a king, after being led by a number of judges, God gave specific guidelines that may surprise you. The king was not to acquire large numbers of horses, take many wives, or accumulate large amounts of silver and gold (Deuteronomy 17:14-17).

What was the monarch to do? God instructed, “When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left” (Deut. 17:18-20a).

While few of us need worry about multiple horses, spouses, or overflowing bank accounts, we can heed the wisdom of focusing on God’s Word and honoring Him. I would challenge you to find a verse or passage this week that touches your heart. Write it down and place it in a prominent place where you can read it again and again, thinking about its application and how it can change your life and/or thought patterns. I dare you, pick up your sword (the Scriptures) … and live like a king!