1 Samuel 12:1-5 – Being precedes doing

In the last chapter, Samuel asked the people of Israel to congregate at Gilgal to renew the Kingdom. We learned that “There they also offered sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” As we begin at 1 Samuel 12, we see Samuel transferring the authority to Saul, the king they asked for.  In verse 1 Samuel gave a summary of the situation. Here he made references to what the people had asked for at Ramah and now the king was standing before them. He was tall and good looking whereas he, Samuel was now old and grey. Here he also referred briefly to his sons although he did not mention the evil they had done to trigger the people’s request for a king. Samuel asserted that he had listened to them and appointed them their king. Now the king was before them.

In these verses, we see Samuel vindicating his leadership and integrity. Before Saul, as the Lord’s anointed and before the Lord Himself, Samuel asserted that he at no time defrauded the people nor taken any of their goods. He was truly an honest and upright leader, worthy of all leaders’ emulation. All of us who are called to influence the lives of others would do well to cultivate a character that Samuel had shown in his life. He neither exploited nor oppressed the people and God could be his witness. So confident was he that he challenged the people to point to anything that they thought he had gained wrongfully. If they could point him to them, he was prepared to make restitution. The response from the people was a resounding no. Collectively, they said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” 

To make an impact in the life of others and help them to get their relationship with the Lord straightened, it is necessary for us to ensure that we are walking in integrity. Our character is the best testimony of our life and not our competence. Who we become in life is more important than the position or status we attained! Being always precedes doing. With character as our foundation, our best work will be demonstrated ultimately. Remember to allow God to shape our character as we seek to serve Him.