The Men of Iron Minute
by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation
Adopting an Attitude of Accountability
Darkness slowly creeps over the land of Israel. The unwillingness to listen to Samuel’s advice showers the people with the acid rain of unbelief and consequence. Pelted with their indifference to God, the people wanted a king, and they got one. Though Saul stood a head taller than other men, his cowardice kept him low. Saul, Israel’s first king, was popular and impressive. As the saying goes, “If you live by the sword of public praise, you will die by the sword of public opinion.” Further, he struggles mightily with fear and public perception, yet God’s hand is on him at times. God, in his grace, still loved his people and planned to prosper them.
After attempting to make a mend, Samuel bolsters his last public speech.
“Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you. 14 If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! 15 But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.” 1 Samuel 12:13-15, NIV84
If I could simplify this, Samuel is calling them to take responsibility. Additionally, they will be held accountable for their faithfulness to God. The word if is vital in these three verses. It’s worth rereading if you missed it.
As only he can, Jordan B. Peterson, posits, “You must be cautious because making your life better means adopting a lot of responsibility, and that takes more effort and care than living stupidly in pain and remaining arrogant, deceitful, and resentful.”
Take responsibility.
Honor accountability.
Live faithfully.
Be a mentor.
Find a mentor.
Be a better man.
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