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.  

Facing Tough Realities: Pressing On - Part 3

Some people are sadly lacking in the desire to deal constructively with reality even when confronted with undeniable facts. Dealing constructively with reality often requires letting go of what is unattainable. This also applies to being rejected. Feelings of rejection can be difficult to manage in healthy ways.

Jesus wept over the people of Jerusalem when they refused to accept him. The people he would die for saw him as undesirable. Grieving is a choice and is God's way for managing rejection. Where does the ability and desire to grieve come from when we are forced to deal constructively with the harsh realities of life?

Using Jesus as our model for managing the reality of rejection, we find that he never lost sight of who he was or of his purpose. He was willing to see other choices for his immediate situation. It's important to have long-term goals for making healthy choices when change is required. Ask Christ Jesus to give you courage to press on toward what you know to be God's purpose for you.