instincts vs. integrity
Can you identify any people or systems you’re in touch with that are ignoring the feelings, senses, wisdom and pleasure of marginalized people around you?
1 Samuel 18: 28-29, The Inclusive Bible
Saul saw clearly that YHWH was with David. And he was certain that Michal loved David. But in time he grew more and more fearful of David, and came to see David as an enemy, which continued for the rest of his life.
Visceral instinct is at play in the tribalistic behavior between Saul and David.
Saul’s daughters Merab and Mikal are treated as nothing but collateral. The power dynamics are distinct in both the retelling and the historical setting - the men have it all; the women have none. The contempt and hostility and envy between the men is palpable.
We hear that Michal loved David; but only through the lense that it pleased Saul. What must have these women felt, sensed, known, or been pleased by? Saul used Michal as bait for David; and his selfish abuse came back to bite him. His actions had no integrity, using and abusing his own children, disregarding David and resulted in fear rather than peace. Friends were turned to enemies. Integrity of character begins in motivation. Saul’s motivations were evil.
Can you identify where your visceral instincts may be at odds with your integrity?
People and systems can use and abuse humans to get their own selfish desires. As you listen to the disastrous results for Merab and Mikal from this scripture, and the fall out for Saul and David, can you identify any people or systems you’re in touch with that are ignoring the feelings, senses, wisdom and pleasure of marginalized people around you?