AN OATH TO REMEMBER –

After seeing how corrupt and dishonest King Saul was at the close of his reign, when David took over as King of Israel he wanted people to know that he would not follow in the same footsteps that led to Saul’s humiliating defeat and suicide. He would not consult unbelievers when looking for guidance; he would not order people maliciously attacked just because they opposed him; he would not turn on friends and be soft on enemies. David wanted to let everyone hear from him how he planned to govern God’s people. He didn’t need a speech writer, because this oath came from his own heart.

“My theme song will be about a promise of love and justice; O LORD Eternal, that will be my hymn to You. I commit myself to be sincere and truthful, no matter how long it takes. I will start with myself when it comes to integrity; I will pay no attention to suggestions of being dishonest; I will have nothing to do with crooked deals—which I despise; I will reject any fraudulent transactions; I will not give in to mischievous people; I will have nothing to do with those who slander their neighbors behind their backs; I will not tolerate backbiters and egotists; I will keep a sharp lookout for reliable and trustworthy workers to assist me; I will only employ those who make transparency the center point of their conduct; those who lie and scheme will not be part of my administration; those who tell lies will not be tolerated. Each morning I will dismiss those caught taking bribes; yes, those dealing in corruption will be immediately eliminated from our nation’s capital.” [So help me God.] Psalm 101:1-8

Reflection: At age 24, Benjamin Franklin decided to jot down some guidelines for conduct. So he wrote out the following virtues on separate pages in his little book: Temperance – not to overeat or drink. Silence – speak only when it benefits others. Order – prioritize each day’s needs, not wants. Resolution – do not make false promises, but do what is promised. Frugality – do not waste or spend unwisely. Industry –wise time management of useful projects. Sincerity – do not be hypocritical or act with prejudice. Justice – avoid hurting others, or keep from others what they have earned. Moderation – avoid unnecessary extremes. Cleanliness – practice person hygiene without excuses. Tranquility – accept the things that happen that cannot be avoided. Chastity – do not practice immorality. Humility – imitate Jesus and Socrates. He carried this book with him for 50 years, and began each day checking these moral qualities to see how much progress he made in living up to his expectations. Furthermore, each Monday he selected one of these virtues as a point of special focus and gave particular attention to this trait for the next seven days, trying to improve each day. At the end of his life he admitted that he never reached perfection. We don’t know if Franklin got his inspiration from this psalm of David or not. But ask yourself, do people respect you and say they want to be more like you? Or don’t you adhere to a moral code worthy of being emulated by others? But think about this: King David and Benjamin Franklin stand today as two of the most admired, influential figures in history. Remember, David said the standards in his vow started with him, before he expected it of others.