Integrity

And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). Saul is dead. David has gone from shepherd boy to giant-killer to royal musical therapist to outlaw to King. And in that time it would be easy to dismiss past oaths. “Look at how much has changed”, may be the easiest sentiment to use, dismissing the vow. But David made covenant. David swore (1 Samuel 20:14-16a) to show kindness to the lineage of Jonathan.

What integrity. Jonathan is dead, and the custom of the day would be to make sure none of the previous regime survives to mount an insurrection. David is asking for trouble. But David trusts in God, and God has appointed David as king. The king need not focus on preserving his house because he knows God raises up and humbles whomever He wills.

What integrity! Mephibosheth is crippled. (2 Samuel 9:3, 13) Twice the Bible conveys this fact in short succession. Why? Possibly because of the drastic difference in what Mephibosheth can provide and what David does provide. Without Social Security or Welfare programs, those who are unable to work, or farm are often reduced to the impoverished life of begging. Yet, a king’s table! More so, the table of the king of God’s people!

What integrity? Today we must affirm our word with ink, triplicated forms, and the seal of notaries. David could have executed Mephibosheth. David could have ignored his word and let Jonathan’s son fend for himself. But David stepped up and instigated honesty, loyalty, fidelity, integrity.

What’s integrity? By partial definition, integrity is adherence to principles. As a Christian we have agreed to serve the God of Heaven. We willingly submit to the perfect law of liberty and openly claim salvation in Jesus our Christ. So…how openly? Does anyone know you are a Christian? Who would accuse you of being a religious person? Who knows you know God? David sought out the ability to show the kindness he promised. I must seek out the opportunity to show light.

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine!