Day 99

1 Samuel 1:9-4:11. “A Legacy of Integrity”

The theme for this week is integrity.  This week’s readings will cover the last of the judges, Eli and Samuel.  Following those two leaders we will meet the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.  All four of these men learned the importance of integrity through their experiences.
         Integrity is something that we all can struggle with from time to time.  Integrity is something that can be easily lost, but is not so easy to regain without God’s help.  As the four men we will read about, they learn it is absolutely essential to being a leader in God’s kingdom.

To say the least, Eli’s sons were lacking integrity.  They disrespected the Lord’s offerings (2:12-17), carried on immoral sexual relationships with the young women serving at the tabernacle (12:22), and they did not honor or listen to their father (12:25).  I think we are safe to say that, somewhere along the way, Eli dropped the ball as their father and as a priest in authority at the temple.
Why is integrity so essential?  At the close of 2006, our nation mourned the loss of President Gerald Ford.  As people talked about him and his accomplishments, the one thing that was mentioned most often was his integrity.  He may not have been the greatest leader, or accomplished as much as other presidents, but he stood out because of his integrity.
Our integrity, or lack of, leaves a lasting impression on the people around us, especially our families.  “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them” (Proverbs 20:7).  Are you living a life of integrity?  What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?