In what ways can we apply David's example of integrity in our lives? Setting the Scene “ ‘Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him whatever pleases you. And anything you desire from me I will do for you.’ ” (2 Samuel 19:38) David is returning to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt. Barzillai the Gileadite had supplied the king’s household during exile (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Now Barzillai is too old to enjoy court life, so he asks David to bless his young servant Chimham instead (19:37). David immediately promises to honor Barzillai’s wishes—demonstrating rock-solid integrity at a moment when lesser leaders might have forgotten an aging ally. What Integrity Looks Like in David’s Response • Keeps his word publicly and promptly • Shows gratitude to a benefactor without being prompted • Extends kindness to the next generation (Chimham) • Uses royal authority for blessing, not self-promotion • Respects Barzillai’s personal limits and preferences Ways We Can Mirror David’s Integrity 1. Keep Promises—Even Small Ones • Psalm 15:4b: “…who keeps his oath even when it hurts.” • Matthew 5:37: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Practical step: Record every commitment (texts, verbal, email). Follow through before the deadline or communicate quickly if providentially hindered. 2. Express Gratitude to Those Who Supported Us • Romans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.” • Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” Practical step: Write or speak specific thanks to mentors, family, teachers, or coworkers who stood with you in hard seasons. 3. Bless the Next Generation • Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous man walks in integrity; blessed are his children after him.” • 2 Samuel 9:7 shows David earlier blessing Mephibosheth—consistent integrity over time. Practical step: Invest time, wisdom, and resources in younger believers or family members, opening doors they could not open for themselves. 4. Use Authority for Others’ Good • Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” • Colossians 4:1: “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair.” Practical step: In any leadership role—parent, manager, ministry head—ask, “How can I leverage this role to serve rather than to be served?” 5. Respect Personal Boundaries • Philippians 2:4: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Practical step: When offering help, let the recipient define what is actually useful, just as David honored Barzillai’s request regarding Chimham. Living It Out This Week • Review yesterday’s conversations—did you promise anything? Act on it within 24 hours. • Identify one person who helped you in the past. Call, write, or visit with a sincere thank-you. • Choose one younger person to encourage. Offer a coffee, share a skill, or introduce them to a helpful contact. • Pray before each leadership decision: “Lord, how can I serve like David served Barzillai?” • End each day with a brief integrity audit—ask, “Were my ‘yes’ and ‘no’ truthful today?” Following David’s lead in 2 Samuel 19:38, we model integrity that honors God, blesses people, and leaves a legacy that outlives us. |
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