But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. – 1 Samuel 8:3

Today's Scripture Reading (May 18, 2025): 1 Samuel 8

Political scandal is nothing new to modern politics. Scandal often seems to be epidemic. In fact, I think we have come to expect it. I am convinced we wouldn't know what to do with an honest politician. We grow blind to the inconsistencies of the politicians we agree with and are hypercritical of the ones with whom we disagree. I recently asked a Social Media friend why he believed one politician over another, and the answer I received was a version of "Because he (in this case, it was a he) is honest and has no reason to lie." I disagreed, but I know that if we define something that way, we will ignore any statements that are untruths so that our politicians remain honest, even if it is only in our sight. 

It shouldn't be that way. If I had any advice for politicians, it would be this: Be hyper-ethical. In a world where every person seems to be a fact checker, build a reputation for telling the truth. It might be hard in the short term, but it will set you apart positively in the long run. Invite your audience to fact-check you rather than complain about it. If you are caught saying something untrue, admit it, apologize, and move on. Become known as the one that can be trusted. You might be amazed at where that might take you.

It was the reputation that Samuel had achieved in Israel. He had dealt with the people honestly, and the people knew that if Samuel said it, you could depend on it. Samuel had been the Judge Israel needed and, in many ways, a more dependable Judge than some of the more recent Israelite leaders, especially Eli and Samson. 

But then, late in his career, Samuel made a colossal mistake. He elevated his sons, Joel and Abijah, to the position of Judge. The problem was that being a Judge had never been a hereditary office. In fact, the position had not been an office which always needed to be filled. There had been times in Israel when there wasn't a Judge leading the nation, and there had been times when multiple Judges had risen to take care of different problems. No Judge had ever tried to appoint the next Judge, whether or not the candidate was related to them. Gideon's son had tried to become King, but he did so without his dad's support. What Samuel was doing had never been done, and God didn't ordain it.

However, as good as Samuel had been, his sons did not have the same moral character that Samuel had exhibited while he led the nations. His sons accepted bribes and did things that made real justice impossible. All of which was evidence that God had not called these men to lead the nation. Samuel's error led to a renewed request on the part of the people for a King who could lead them.   

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 9