Behaving Ourselves

I watched a young man checking his items out at a store. He scanned each item then I saw him slip another item with it and didn’t scan that item. I wanted to say, “Behave yourself”, but didn’t. However, I did get a fresh, new blog from the scene.

“Behave yourself!” Isn’t that something you were told as a child or something you said to your kids? Usually, when we think about the need to behave, we think about children – not ourselves. Yet, you and I need the grace of God to behave ourselves wisely. That is exactly what David did, and he did so under very intense circumstances.

As I read through the Bible this year, I often shake my head at some of the stories, especially in the Old Testament. Take for example, King Saul and David. Remember the story of the “little” shepherd boy, David, and how he took down that ginormous giant, Goliath? We usually end the story there, but it’s not the end. When those Philistines saw their leader lose his head, they ran in terror.

Then the Israeli army ran after the Philistines, killed them all and plundered their tents. Not only were their enemies defeated, but they took home the treasures with them.

The crowd’s victory chants went like this “Saul has slain his thousands, but David, his ten-thousands.” That’s when King Saul became jealous of David and was out to kill him..

Here is what impressed me. In 1 Samuel 18:5, we read: “David went out wherever Saul sent him, and he BEHAVED wisely.” Again, in verse 14 “And David BEHAVED in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.” Then, in Verse 30, “David BEHAVED more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.”

“Misbehaving” is a word we use when it comes to the way our children act up. But there are plenty of “misbehaving” adults. Chris Rock “misbehaved” when he insulted Jada Smith at the Oscars. Then, Will Smith “misbehaved” when he went to the stage and slapped Chris Rock. Both men have lived to regret their mistakes. But, hold on. How about those politicians, high profile celebrities, and religious leaders who have been front and center in the “misbehaving” arena. And, what about us?

People watch us. They scrutinize us and the life we live is one we cannot afford to lose. We need to BEHAVE ourselves wisely. David did the right thing when the wrong thing was done to him. He could have become arrogant and self-serving when he received all the acclaim, but he BEHAVED well. He could have taken revenge on Saul, but he BEHAVED well. And David earned the respect of the people of Israel.

As ambassadors for God, we, too, have an obligation and responsibility to BEHAVE ourselves in such a way that it pleases and honors God. Shouldn’t we carry ourselves wisely among all who know us, and in every situation, be men and women of integrity?

I am stunned by many young people and adults who are enamored by those with low morals and questionable integrity. What our country needs are those who live a life of integrity before God and others. Integrity is not just measured by who we are in public, but who we are in private when no one else is around. Integrity and character are doing the right thing when no one is watching.

May “behaving well” be a daily goal for us, as we ask ourselves: “Am I behaving well in this situation? Am I making a difference in the world around me?” Are we making God so proud that it is said of us: “They are BEHAVING in all their ways, and the Lord is with them.”