READING: 1 Samuel 9-12
“Bring charges against me before the Lord and his anointed.”
1 Samuel 12:3
These past few weeks, I’ve been thinking much about life and death—primarily because of the passing of two missionary friends weeks ago and then my mother-in-law just this past weekend. I’ve been reminded that the wages of sin are still in effect. Death happens, and all of us must be prepared for its reality. More specifically, however, I’ve thought more about how we live than how we die. If death is indeed a possibility for all of us every day, how we choose to live this day really does matter. I wonder if we live in such a way that we would welcome critique from others and from God.
In today’s reading, Samuel the judge invited the people to evaluate his own life as he grew old. He had led the people for years—surely plenty of time to destroy his testimony and wreck his credibility if he had so chosen—but he was nevertheless willing to have the people test him: “As for me, I’m old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have led you from my youth until now. Here I am. Bring charges against me before the Lord and his anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I wronged or mistreated? From whom have I accepted a bribe to overlook something? I will return it to you” (1 Sam. 12:2-3). Samuel was certain enough of his walk that he was unafraid to say, “Bring charges against me before the Lord.” The people responded with nothing but affirmation for Samuel; they could find no place where he had wronged them.
I’m not certain I would be so willing to invite others to review my life. I realize I should be so willing, but willingness in theory is different from a willingness in practice. I pray, though, that I would live today so closely to God that I would not be alarmed by a brother’s evaluation tonight.
ACTION STEPS:
- Give no one any cause to bring charges against you today.
- If you need to seek forgiveness or reconciliation with someone (including God, through turning from your sin and trusting Him for salvation), do so today.
PRAYER: “God, help me to live for You today without compromise.”