“Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.” II Samuel 19:22-23
Our pastor gave a great message today at church as he discussed “knowing who you are”. He gave the example of King David when he was given the opportunity to give the death penalty to a man in his kingdom who had dishonored him earlier. David, in full possession of knowing his strength and his power, declined to give the death penalty. He spared the wrongdoer by saying
“Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.”
David did no need to act rashly and harshly to prove that he was in power. He knew it, and that was good enough.
I talk with my clients about knowing themselves, and accepting themselves right where they are. If you know who you are, you don’t need to be who other people expect you to be. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and you accept them. You can feel free knowing who you are. I use the phrase “Wherever you go, there you are”, meaning, you take your full self wherever you go, and others may or may not accept that, but if you are comfortable in your own skin, you’ll be fine. You can live with yourself.
What freedom that is! Some people in the public sphere need to posture with a sense of bravado, even bullying. They do not feel secure in themselves. Bullies are the least self-confident people on earth. Their need to show strength at the expense of others is a sure sign of failed self-acceptance.
So, wherever you go, there you are- enjoy it!
Prayer: Lord, help us to see our acceptance in you no matter what, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 