The Life Of Samuel

It is disheartening how much the world encourages people not to demand so much from themselves in terms of character. Many things in the society are pushing people to be valueless, and compelling many to flow with the moral decline being witnessed everywhere in the world. Today, we see politicians without standards, entertainers without character, dubious leaders, and even pastors who have completely forgotten the sanctity and moral demand of the name they bear.

Many people in the world live their lives without principles and without values. There is no basis on which they make their decisions. They walk comfortably in a very unworthy manner. These are totally opposite of the impeccable life that the Word of God encourages: 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.', 'You must be blameless before the LORD your God.', 'Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.', 'Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children', 'We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; ', and 'They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.'

One of the most challenging and inspiring narratives in the bible is the last words of Samuel to Israel before he died: ''Your king is now your leader. I stand here before you'an old, gray-haired man'and my sons serve you. I have served as your leader from the time I was a boy to this very day. Now testify against me in the presence of the LORD and before his anointed one. Whose ox or donkey have I stolen? Have I ever cheated any of you? Have I ever oppressed you? Have I ever taken a bribe and perverted justice? Tell me and I will make right whatever I have done wrong.' 'No,' they replied, 'you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never taken even a single bribe.' 'The LORD and his anointed one are my witnesses today,' Samuel declared, 'that my hands are clean.' 'Yes, he is a witness,' they replied.' (1 Samuel 12:2-5)

What a life! So worthy of emulation! He was conscious of how he lived, and through deliberate efforts ensured his character and activities were faultless before the people. How can a Christian or a pastor exploit people and just live on as though it means nothing? How can you be so comfortable living a questionable life? It doesn't matter how many people you are better than, your aim should be to be impeccable in character and to be perfect before God. I know the word perfection is one word many feel people should never be associated with. However, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to demand perfection from yourself. To aim for it, and consciously walk to its attainment. In your relationship with People, aim and dare to be like Samuel.

Paul's determination to 'apprehend that for which he's apprehended of Christ' should inspire you. At the time of writing, he said he is yet to attain it but made it clear he will continue to press on until he attains it: 'Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3:12). Just like him, I say the same, 'It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it'. I can't just be comfortable living a base, immoral, and unethical life. I can't relax in the place the world is snoring, my life is worthy of more, and so is your life.