Life above reproach

As Samuel is finishing his lifetime of ministry and leadership over Israel, he stands up before the crowd and asks if anyone has a complaint against him. If he has oppressed anyone, stolen anything, or accepted bribes, he invites his people to speak out against him so he can make it right. To me, especially in a context of politics where no elected official ever has everyone on his side, this seems like inviting the rotten tomatoes to come flying. I almost cringe to read what will come next, especially being a person (as I am) that doesn't always respond to criticism well. I have spent a considerable amount of energy in my life trying to fly under the radar and avoid any kind of negative feedback.

But the people respond, "You have not cheated or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone's hand." No tomatoes are thrown, and Samuel steps down with honor.

Here's the thing: what if we spent less energy on avoiding the reproach we deserve and more energy on living above reproach in the first place? If we live a life that is honorable, doing nothing in secret that would embarrass us if brought into the light, we have nothing to fear from the feedback of those around us. Our conscience will be clear before God and honest men, and slanderers will have no power over us.

Heart's ease

"Prayer is heart's ease to a gracious soul. Prayer will smooth the countenance; it should do so. None will long remain miserable, who use aright the privilege of going to the mercy-seat of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus."
-Matthew Henry, in his commentary on 1 Samuel

I wrote yesterday of times where the brokenness in the world seems much more prevalent than the redeemed. This is true often enough, but we are also called to praise the Lord at all times, not just acknowledging His existence but rejoicing in Him. Before we raise our arguments against this, contending that our situation is different, that surely our circumstances exclude us from the group who are required to rejoice, let's remember that these words were written by men whose trials most likely outweigh ours by a long shot.

Do we believe God is on the throne? Do we believe He is good? Do we believe He hears us when we pray? Then let us pray, leave our burdens at His feet, and continue on with the command He has given us. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!