Rule with righteousness!

2 Samuel 23: 3-5

Today, we are finishing our study of 1st and 2nd Samuel by considering some of the final recorded words of King David. Next week, it's on to 1 Thessalonians!

As we apply these verses to our life, the first question to consider is who do we rule (or have influence) over.

We need to understand that our actions have an impact on all those with whom we have contact...family, coworkers, and casual acquaintances. Therefore, at some point in time, we rule over all those around us.

Second, we need to consider what determines how you treat those with whom you interact? Many times, the answer is self-centeredness. What's in it for us? How our response will advance our financial, social, or professional goals is quickly evaluated and our actions are tempered accordingly. Will we gain money, notoriety, or reputation? Sometimes, the length of our interaction, our perception of the other person's importance, or "how difficult" the person is to get along with changes our behavior toward them. As Christians, none of these factors should or do really matter. What does matter is how our action toward the other person will affect their relationship with the Lord.

In 2 Samuel 23:3, God tells David the type of rule that He expects. He expects us to demostrate righteousness and fear (reverence) of the Lord. There are several steps necessary to achieve this type of behavior/ life.

1. We must be righteous! In order to demonstrate righteousness, we must be righteous. The only way to achieve this to to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord (Romans 3: 20-24).
2. We must live a changed life. (Ephesians 5: 8-9) Notice that this is only possible after salvation.
3. We must find out what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5: 10). Clearly, obedience to the Lord's commands is at the top of the list (1 Samuel 15: 22). One of the clearest commands is found in Matthew 28: 19-20 where we are instructed to go and make disciples of all nations.
4. We must make the most of every (not just some) opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-17) and time is short (Romans 14:11-12).
5. We must share our righteousness by telling others how to achieve it. Jesus is counting on you to represent Him in the world! Our love for Him and appreciation of what He has done for us should lead us to share our faith (Psalms 40:10; 2 Corinthians 5: 14, 20).

Specific instructions about how to interact with family, coworkers, and casual acquaintances can be found in Ephesians 6: 1-4, 5-9, and 10-12 respectively. In these verses, we see that our interactions should point others to the Lord (v.4), be carried out as if we were dealing directly with the Lord (7-8), and be carried out with the realization that Satan will do all that he can to oppose us.

If we rule with righteousness and fear of the Lord, our behavior will be like the first light of a clear blue day or the bightness after rain (refreshing, beautiful, and full of promise) as seen in 2 Sam 23:4.

2 Samuel 23:5 reminds us of what awaits us... the fruition of our salvation and the fulfillment of our every desire. Jesus has assured us that He is preparing a place for us and will return at the appointed time. (John 14:1-3).

As you deal with the hustle and bustle of the week, especially during the holiday season, be on the lookout for every opportunity to share your righteousness with others. Don't keep it bottled up! Your witness may be the last or only chance the other person may have to accept Jesus as their savior and to make Him Lord in their life. What do you have to lose?