A Clear Conscience: Essential for Self-Respect - Part 1

Samuel served as the last judge for Israel. He was also a prophet, a man of faith and loyalty who founded the first school for young prophets and preacher boys. He led his people through a transition from a theocracy rule to a monarchy rule because the people demanded a king. Samuel anointed Saul and David, Israel’s first two kings.

In 1 Samuel 8:7 God directed Samuel to comply with the people’s demands. These are God’s words to Samuel: “Listen to what the people are saying; it is not you they have rejected. They have rejected me as their king.” Samuel was respected by the people because he was a man of character. Still they were determined to have a king.

Faith requires action, and action based on strong moral character is sustained by faith. Samuel, as a man of faith, remained true to his word and commitments. He never looked for special favors because that would have diminished his self-respect. His life was an open book. Samuel could be a mentor for each of us to follow.  

Self-Respect in the Family: Hannah to Samuel - Part 3

Samuel was a man of loyalty who served Israel as a judge and priest. Near the end of his tenure the people decided they wanted a king to rule over them. Reading Samuel’s letter of resignation, I can’t help but detect sadness, hurt feelings and anger, although God assured Samuel he was not the object of their rejection.

Rejection should not diminish self-respect because it doesn’t depend on everyone loving or liking you. Self-respect is not contingent upon success or failure when integrity and honor determine a person’s choices and goals. People with self-respect are less prone to secret-keeping, guilt, regret and stress.

Samuel believed God directed his life, and he lived within the boundaries of God’s purpose for him. That doesn’t eliminate hurt feelings or grief over being rejected or displaced, yet it includes being able to flow with God’s will. Self-respect occurs when you know, and God knows, you’ve done your best and you’re satisfied with it.  

Self-Respect in the Family: Hannah to Samuel - Part 2

Samuel grew up under the care of Eli, who was the priest and judge over Israel. Each year as Samuel grew Hannah, his mother, brought him a new little robe to wear.  God was gracious to Hannah because she was willing to give up her only child to serve God. While Samuel was still a boy God called his name, and Samuel responded to God’s call.

Samuel was gifted with strong moral character, demonstrating his commitment to the Lord. Samuel eventually took Eli’s place as judge and priest over Israel. Samuel’s God-given insight and understanding on how to be a man of integrity enabled him to endure the temptations he would encounter as a judge and priest.

Samuel kept a clear conscience, which enabled him to choose appropriate, godly actions both as a judge and in his personal life. Moral character strengths enable believers to endure and stand firm with what is right and godly. Choosing to act appropriately and then choosing to follow through with your choice will be blessed and honored by God. 

         

Self-Respect in the Family: Hannah to Samuel - Part 1

The story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel who became a prophet, priest and judge in Israel, is one of faith and trust in God. Hannah was unable to conceive and give birth to a child. She promised God if he gave her a son, she would to give him up to serve God all the days of his life. In due time Hanna became pregnant.

When Samuel was weaned, she took him to the house of the Lord to be raised by Eli the priest. Try to imagine how hard it must have been for Hannah to give up her infant son, but she was a woman of integrity and faith in God which made it possible to endure the heartache and grief of separation.

Hannah demonstrated endurance and self-respect by keeping her covenant with God. In return God gave Hannah faith that he would anoint Samuel as his servant and bless him all the days of his life. Hannah kept her promise, so God kept his. Hannah endured her grief and separation from Samuel with joy and a deep abiding love for God. May God bless you today.  

Self-Respect Missing? Check Your Lifestyle - Part 3

The nation of Israel wanted a king so they could be like other countries. God chose for this position Saul, a young man thirty years old. Samuel, the last judge to rule Israel, was designated to anoint Saul as king. However, on the day of his coronation Saul hid himself from Samuel and the people. You could say Saul was reluctant a king.

Saul is described as handsome and taller than the average man, so he was someone the people could literally look up to. He showed leadership in organizing an army and rallying the nation to defend itself against an enemy. Saul did develop courage and proved himself in battle early on.

Perhaps Saul’s need for approval overruled good judgement and consequently cost him God’s approval. As his self-respect diminished, confidence in God, himself and the Hebrew people also faded. Saul’s story illustrates that self-respect must be protected by listening to God’s voice above all others and faithfully following his instructions for your life.