In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. 1 Chronicles 11:2
I have had a few times recently when I’ve looked around, observing that there are those in my community who don’t profess to follow Christ, but who are acting more Christlike than I am. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus said that the first was that we must love God above all else. The second commandment though, is that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. So, as I observe the behavior of those around me, those who look the most Christlike – even if they don’t profess to be Christians – are those who’re loving and caring for their neighbors in need. It has been to my shame at times, that I’ve not done this and that there are those who don’t even believe in God, who are doing it. When I’m out-Christianed by non-Christians, there’s a problem with my faith.
To my shame, my failure to do my job is often emphasized by those who are doing it. This is illustrated in today’s passage. In the story, the leaders of Israel came to David, pointing out that he had acted nobler than King Saul. David wasn’t king yet, but he was the one who behaved like a king, seeking and following God’s will. Saul, on the other hand, lived for himself and disobeyed God. David’s kingly behavior shown a spotlight on King Saul’s shameful behavior.
If we profess the name of Christ, then we should strive to live as he commanded, loving our neighbors. When the world observes however, that we live only for ourselves, they’re not fooled. As Christ’s hands and feet on Earth, we are to do his will, loving those around us in need. When we refuse to do so, allowing non-Christians to out-Christian us, then there’s something wrong with our faith.