Integrity Matters So Are You Behaving or Misbehaving?
I’m reading through the Bible this year and reading about those people that got themselves into some really crazy situations, has sparked my interest like never before. I’m having so many “aha” moments in my readings.
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? Most writers and speakers end the story there, but it’s not the end. When those Philistines saw that their leader lost his head…..literally…..they ran in terror. Then the armies of Israel ran after the Philistines, killed them all and plundered their tents. Not only were their enemies defeated, but they took home the goods and treasures with them. Now that’s what I call….being MORE THAN CONQUERORS.
The crowd’s victory chants and cheers went like this “Saul has slain his thousands, but David, his ten-thousands.” More than that triumph and victory, what struck me most was how King Saul became so jealous of young David. From that point on, Saul was bound and determined to kill David, but all his many attempts to kill him were foiled. And here’s what was impressed upon me. In 1 Samuel 18:5, you’ll read “So 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.”
Three times we find that David behaved himself wisely. Typically, we use the word, misbehaving, when it comes to the way our children act up. But, I’m sure you will agree that we have been inundated with “misbehaving” adults lately, particularly in the political arena. But, that’s them, what about us? People watch you and me. They scrutinize us and, for sure, the life we live at home and outside the home is one we cannot afford to compromise or lose. We need to do as David did and BEHAVE ourselves wisely. That phrase has the idea of “being wise; considerate; paying attention to what’s right.”
Yesterday, my post was about “curb appeal” — being full of God’s love and character. In those scriptures, 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. There is no mention of David arguing or trying to pass his work off on someone else. He BEHAVED well even when he carried a lot of responsibilities. As David behaved himself wisely he earned the respect of the people of Israel and even the servants of Saul. He served patiently and faithfully in every aspect of life and he was noticed and respected for that.
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?
Our country is in desperate need of Godly leadership. We need those who will 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.
Let’s keep this word in the forefront of our minds. “Am I behaving well in this situation? Am I making a difference in the world around me? Do we hear God speaking about us “She/He behaved herself/himself wisely? If not, shouldn’t we make it a priority to start NOW?