AVOID DOUBLE STANDARDS
Review of Previous Lesson (5 Minutes)
- How has the previous lesson influenced your life?
- What text was used as memory verse?
Main Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-9.
Memory Verse: A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. – Proverbs 11:1 (ESV).
Introduction
Double standard is to indulge in wrong doing whilst condemning others in the same act. Our integrity is tested in our secrets; when no one is watching. We must, however, know that our God is always watching. Integrity is who you truly are; it is the image in the mirror. In this study we shall discuss how David exhibited double standards when he killed Uriah.
Questions for Discussion
- How was integrity played out in the life of Uriah? 2 Samuel 11:10, 11 and 14.
- In what ways did David violate his integrity? Verse 7-9.
- How will you describe the reaction of David after his hypocrisy was revealed to him? Verse 13.
- State some ways in which double standards play out in our daily lives and how they can be avoided.
- Why is integrity key to our Christian lives?
Conclusion
In our main text, we see David living a life of double standards. After he had committed adultery with Uriah’s wife, compelled Uriah to get drunk and eventually murdered him, David was quick to pass judgement on a ‘citizen’ he believed to have stolen a sheep. When we live by God’s standards, what is wrong remains wrong in all situations. Like Uriah, we need to stand our grounds and avoid compromising in situations that only suit us. It is important to also indicate that although David exhibited gross hypocrisy, he did not live in his sin and did not try to defend his evil act but repented to redeem his damaged image. As we try to live as people of integrity, we must be ready to admit our wrongs and make amends.