Scripture, 1 Samuel 26-27
I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed. (1 Sam. 26:23)

If you had been in David's place, what would you have done when you came upon Saul and all of his chief captains sound asleep? You gave him a chance once before when you found him sleeping in the cave. But he's still trying to kill you. Now what? David's exemplary attitude was this: "God is going to take care of this man. His time will come to die or he's going to perish in battle. However it happens, I'm not going to be the one to lay my hand on the Lord's anointed." It's important to realize that the Lord's anointed applies to people today whom God has chosen for Himself, not just to the kings of Israel in Bible times. Be careful before you criticize your pastor. Be careful before you gossip about another child of God. Let God take care of His servants and tend to your own heart.

There is some question in my mind as to whether the Lord really wanted David to go down to Gath for safety or whether David got discouraged and rationalized, "Saul's going to get me anyway. I'd better get out of here for good" (27:1-3). You don't have to go into the "land of the Philistines" to get away from your troubles. There is a godly way to cope with your troubles without compromise.