Fitting In

Read 1 Samuel 8:1–12:25

1. As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel.
2. Joel and Abijah, his oldest sons, held court in Beersheba.
3. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.
4. Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel.
5. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”
6. Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance.
7. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.
8. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment.” 1 Samuel 8:1-8

Many people take steps to fit in with the people around them—they say the right phrases, socialize at known establishments, walk a special way, show off important possessions, or are seen in the right places. Being accepted and fitting in matter a great deal.

In this reading, Israel finally gets a king—Saul. Remember, the nation has been in the process of conquering the land of Canaan, as God had commanded them. But they haven’t felt comfortable with the unique identity they have in contrast to their neighbors. They want to fit in. By having a king, now they do—at least they think so. As you read this story, learn a lesson about what is more important than fitting in.

This passage, and the example of Saul, have much to teach us about seeing God’s purposes in every circumstance; handling feelings of inadequacy; and channeling anger to constructive uses.

Israel wanted a king for several reasons (1 Samuel 8:4-9): (1) Samuel’s sons were not fit to lead Israel. (2) The twelve tribes of Israel had continual problems working together because each tribe had its own leader and territory; they hoped that a king would unite the tribes. (3) The people wanted to be like the neighboring nations. This last reason, especially, was exactly what God didn’t want. Having a king would make it easy for Israel to forget that God was their real leader. It was not wrong for Israel to want a king; God had mentioned the possibility (see Deuteronomy 17:14-20). What they really wanted, however, was to be just like all the other nations around them (1 Samuel 8:19-20). This was in total opposition to God’s original intent for them. In reality, the people were rejecting God as their leader.

Often we let others’ values and actions dictate our attitudes and behavior. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? Be careful that the values of your friends or heroes don’t pull you away from what God says is right. Trying to be like unbelievers is a recipe for spiritual disaster.