ACCUSATIONS
II Samuel 3:7-8a
"Now it was so, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizphah, the daughter of Aial. So Ishbosheth said to Abner, 'Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?' The Abner became angry at the words of Ishbosheth."
People in leadership are especially vulnerable to all kinds of accusations of misconduct. The Scripture does not say whether or not the accusation against Abner was true. Abner did not deny it; he just became angry (perhaps because his misconduct was discovered). And we don't know Ishbosheth's motivation (perhaps jealousy because Abner was becoming so strong). So maybe the accusation was true and maybe not. This I do know: It is difficult to defend oneself from accusations. Bill Cosby is in the news again, being accused of sexual indiscretion from 30 years ago. I don't know if the alleged improprieties are true or not. And I don't know the motivation of the women who are accusing him (perhaps for money?). (And denial means nothing; Remember Bill Clinton's famous statement, "I did not have sex with that woman"?) So how does a person defend himself? After I left the pastorate in a certain town, I heard that there were rumors in the community that I had an affair with a woman in the church. It was not true, but I had no way to rebut the rumor. And I ask myself, how could I respond if someone from 40 years ago accused me now of misconduct? Accusations are hard to answer, especially when there is no proof. One is presumed guilty until proven innocent. My only defense is where it really counts – between me and God who knows all things. Furthermore, it is wise to erect safeguards when dealing with the opposite sex to minimize the possibility of accusations.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Accusations are a horrible thing when there is no evidence to substantiate the charge, because there is no defense.
[end]
Have a careful day. Love you.
II Samuel 3:7-8a
"Now it was so, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizphah, the daughter of Aial. So Ishbosheth said to Abner, 'Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?' The Abner became angry at the words of Ishbosheth."
People in leadership are especially vulnerable to all kinds of accusations of misconduct. The Scripture does not say whether or not the accusation against Abner was true. Abner did not deny it; he just became angry (perhaps because his misconduct was discovered). And we don't know Ishbosheth's motivation (perhaps jealousy because Abner was becoming so strong). So maybe the accusation was true and maybe not. This I do know: It is difficult to defend oneself from accusations. Bill Cosby is in the news again, being accused of sexual indiscretion from 30 years ago. I don't know if the alleged improprieties are true or not. And I don't know the motivation of the women who are accusing him (perhaps for money?). (And denial means nothing; Remember Bill Clinton's famous statement, "I did not have sex with that woman"?) So how does a person defend himself? After I left the pastorate in a certain town, I heard that there were rumors in the community that I had an affair with a woman in the church. It was not true, but I had no way to rebut the rumor. And I ask myself, how could I respond if someone from 40 years ago accused me now of misconduct? Accusations are hard to answer, especially when there is no proof. One is presumed guilty until proven innocent. My only defense is where it really counts – between me and God who knows all things. Furthermore, it is wise to erect safeguards when dealing with the opposite sex to minimize the possibility of accusations.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Accusations are a horrible thing when there is no evidence to substantiate the charge, because there is no defense.
[end]
Have a careful day. Love you.
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