Political Inaction

Read 1 Samuel 21:1–26:25

12. David took the spear and jug of water that were near Saul’s head. Then he and Abishai got away without anyone seeing them or even waking up, because the Lord had put Saul’s men into a deep sleep.
13. David climbed the hill opposite the camp until he was at a safe distance.
14. Then he shouted down to the soldiers and to Abner son of Ner, “Wake up, Abner!” “Who is it?” Abner demanded.
15. “Well, Abner, you’re a great man, aren’t you?” David taunted. “Where in all Israel is there anyone as mighty? So why haven’t you guarded your master the king when someone came to kill him?
16. This isn’t good at all! I swear by the Lord that you and your men deserve to die, because you failed to protect your master, the Lord’s anointed! Look around! Where are the king’s spear and the jug of water that were beside his head?” 1 Samuel 26:12-16

Finding fault with the government is a national pastime. Some say the government controls us too little, others say it controls us too much. Everybody thinks it spends too little on this and not enough on that. Standard rules of etiquette say you shouldn’t discuss politics in polite company—and for good reason.

This portion of Scripture shows us David still running for his life from Saul. We can plainly see that David has more reasons than most to find fault with his government. His example for dealing with these gripes has something to say to us all.

Along the way, David also teaches us several other valuable lessons, such as applying God’s laws with compassion; suffering and its source (evil people); marks of true friendship; being fair to those who help us; having courage; and showing mercy.

David showed respect for Saul, despite the fact that Saul was trying to kill him (1 Samuel 24:5-6). Although Saul was sinning and rebelling against God, David still respected the position he held as God’s appointed authority. David knew that one day he would be king; he also knew it was not right to strike down the man whom God had placed on the throne. By assassinating Saul, David would be setting a precedent for his opponents to remove him someday.

Romans 13:1-7 teaches that God has placed the government and its leaders in power. We may not know why, but like David, we are to respect the positions and roles of those to whom God has given authority. There is one exception, however—because God is our highest authority, we should never allow any earthly leader to pressure us to violate God’s law.

Do you respect your political leaders? What can you do to be a better citizen?