Impact Of Conduct!

David was a leader. He was king over a great nation. He was ruler of God's people. He was a national leader in the eyes of surrounding nations. His conduct was something of which he needed to be mindful. What David did was a reflection on his own life. Would he continue to bring honor to the designation of being an Israelite associated with a family of the tribe of Judah? How he conducted himself was a reflection on the nation he governed. Would he remain worthy of the honor and respect as a king, setting the right example as a leader? How he behaved himself was also a reflection on the God he claimed to worship and serve. Would God continually be glorified and honored by his life?

David knew God's awareness of his short comings. Just like us, he was not a perfect individual. However, David had a strong desire to be RIGHT WITH GOD. And it was that very RELATIONSHIP which kept him from taking vengeance others might have if they had been in his shoes. Because of the importance of David's own RELATIONSHIP TO GOD he considered the impact of his life on others.

Note how David expressed this desire.
"(5) O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. (6) LET NOT THOSE WHO HOPE IN YOU BE PUT TO SHAME THROUGH ME, O Lord GOD of hosts; LET NOT THOSE WHO SEEK YOU BE BROUGHT TO DISHONOR THROUGH ME, O God of Israel." ( Psalm 69:5-6 ESV)

David's prayer was that he would do nothing in his own life that might bring "shame" or "dishonor" to another. Should our aim in life be any different? Though we may not be a national leader (or other very public individual) should we not still share this same desire? Whether negatively or positively, we need to bear in mind that our actions impact more than ourselves. Are we focusing on being RIGHT in our RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD to the point that it would spare us from bringing shame on our own family? Are we aiming to SEEK GOD'S WILL in all things so as to not bring dishonor on the Lord's church? Are we seeking to PLEASE GOD in such a way that our life is an encouraging example for those who are seeking to do the same?

Paul exhorted the young evangelist Timothy to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. ( 1 Timothy 4:12) With that aim we will guard against shame. May it be so in our life.

Have a great day POSITIVELY IMPACTING OTHERS TO GOD'S GLORY!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 08/01/2003]

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