Inside Out Living

Saul was caught red-handed. He had again disobeyed the Lord and was confronted by Samuel for his actions. His response to Samuel’s confrontation was worthy of an Academy Award. In verses 15 & 21 Saul declares that ‘the people’ are the ones who spared the animals, and then he further justifies the sin by adding the spiritual benefit of sacrificing the animals to the Lord. It takes Saul three times before he admits to Samuel his wrongdoing.

You do not have to be perfect in order to maintain integrity. This is what the discipline of confession is for. Saul was unwilling to admit his sin and to ask for forgiveness. A person of integrity does the exact opposite. David was a prime example of this. David was not perfect, but when he was confronted by Nathan the prophet about his affair with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah, he confessed immediately. Both Saul and David made mistakes just like you and I. Are we going to respond like Saul, denying the sin and blaming others? Or will we respond like David with a soft heart that is quick to confess?

Can you picture Saul in the situation described in 1 Samuel 13? He had gathered Israel’s troops to battle the Philistines, but once they got a glimpse of the Philistine army, they were full of fear. Sensing the fear in his army, Saul becomes anxious and comes to the conclusion that the offerings to the Lord must be offered. However, Samuel has not arrived when Saul was expecting him. Thus, Saul takes matters into his own hands and violates the Lord’s command by assuming the priestly function.

Saul’s lack of integrity in this matter provides us with a three-part lesson:

1) Basing our decision on fear does not bring glory to God, for perfect love casts out fear.

2) Our timing is not always the same as God’s timing. Samuel was coming, Saul just lacked the patience.

3) Obedience is far more important to God than sacrifice or, for us, you could say it is more important than public worship.

In 1 Samuel 8:6-9 the Lord reveals to Samuel that Israel was ultimately rejecting God Himself by asking for a king. In 12:16-19 Samuel reminds the people of their wrongdoing in asking for a king and then uses a sign to reveal to them the level of God’s anger.

Certainly the people did wrong in asking for a king. But Samuel makes it clear that God had not abandoned them as a result of their wickedness. Rather Samuel shared with them that God was willing to restore the integrity of the nation; “…make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart and that you don’t turn your back on Him in any way…The Lord will not abandon His chosen people” (12:20b, 22a).

The same God that called Israel back and restored the integrity of the nation is the same God that we serve today. So, readers take courage that all is not lost when your integrity is compromised. The invitation to return to following the LORD is there for us the same way it was for Israel. Are you willing to humble yourself and return to following God so He can restore your integrity?

Samuel was a man of God and a good leader for Israel. However, for all that he did right, he failed in one area. He did not learn from the mistake of his predecessor, Eli. 1 Samuel 8:1-3 reveals that Samuel’s sons were lacking in integrity much the same way that Eli’s sons were. We then see this lack of integrity result in Israel demanding a king to rule over them.

When it comes to leadership, integrity or personal character is what gives you the trust of the people. According to Christian leadership guru John Maxwell, “Trust is the foundation of leadership…People will forgive occasional mistakes based on ability. But they won’t trust someone who has slips in character.”

Israel could not trust Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah, so their opportunity to lead the nation was taken away. How is your character? Would those who know you best say that you are a person of integrity? Fortunately, God is able and willing to work in your life and help you grow in this area if you ask for His help.

The theme for this week is integrity. This week’s readings will cover the last of the judges, Eli and Samuel. Following those two leaders we will meet the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. All four of these men learned the importance of integrity through their experiences.

Integrity is something that we all can struggle with from time to time. Integrity is something that can be easily lost, but is not so easy to regain without God’s help. As the four men we will read about learn, it is absolutely essential to being a leader in God’s kingdom.

Today's Devotional:

To say the least, Eli’s sons were lacking in integrity. They disrespected the Lord’s offerings (2:12-17), carried on immoral sexual relationships with the young women serving at the tabernacle (12:22), and they didn’t honor or listen to their father (12:25). I think we are safe to say that, somewhere along the way, Eli dropped the ball as their Father.

Why is integrity so essential? As I write this devotional, our nation is mourning the loss of President Gerald Ford. As I have heard of all he did, the one thing that was mentioned the most was his integrity. He may not have been the greatest leader or accomplished as much as other presidents, but he stood out because of his integrity.

Our integrity, or lack of, leaves a lasting impression on the people around us, especially our families. “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them” (Proverbs 20:7). Are you living a life of integrity? What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?