SOAP No. 8: Change – but for better morality

Scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” – 1 Samuel 10:6-7

Observation: Saul was telling Samuel that he would soon be king.

Application: I really want to focus on the last part of verse 6 and verse 7 because, frankly, I feel like I need to remember this.

Samuel told Saul, “You will be changed into a different person.” We’ve all seen how people change, whether for good or for bad. Change is a natural part of our characteristics; we experience, we learn, we grow. Each day brings about new opportunities or new challenges we have to face that, depending on our attitudes and our actions, we either grow or wither.

People DO change. But it’s so much harder for someone to make a good change because, really, who believes that the person actually is making a true change? However, if you’re a “good” person who makes a bad decision, you’re labeled for practically the rest of your life. It’s really a double standard when you look at it.

So I’m going to try – REALLY try – to give those “bad” (sorry for such horrible generalizations; I really should have more coffee) people a better chance than what I have been giving them before. And for the people who slip – I know I would hate if someone judged me by one of my numerous failings.

(And, as a side note, I’d rather not judge or be judged at all because God is the Judge, but we are all human and fallible, and I suppose I’ll be fighting that battle – on both sides – my entire life.)

Oh, and while we’re talking about “change,” I’ll go ahead and digress a bit further and say that just saying “We’re going to make a change” is NOT change. Oh, but if you say “We’re going to make a change” and want to stomp on the face of our morals, values, and ethics in our country – I think that’s change that’s not worth having.

Okay. Off my political rant now.

Okay, on to Verse 7 – “Do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” When I read over this verse, I loved it. I am a workaholic. I know it. I have days when I get really lazy, but I’m very happy when I’ve had a full, busy day of work. I feel like I’ve accomplished something. And doing something in God’s will, with God by my side…that’s just such a beautiful mental image to me – that I’m doing something that pleases Him.

Prayer: You know the challenges I face, Lord, but even more, You know the trials that others face and the problems they encounter on a daily basis. Help me see others with Your eyes and Your mercy and grace and remember that I, too, have so many faults. Let me do Your work and glorify You in all that I do, Lord. I do want to please You. Thank you for my wonderful family and friends – I couldn’t ask for more Godly people by my side.