1 Sam 12:1-5 Guiding Principles in Positions of Authority CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
In 1 Sam 12:1-5 Samuel asks Israel to witness against him if he abused his office before them in any way. He asked several questions that reveal his guiding principles in his position of authority.
He did not covet – whose ox have I taken or whose ass have I taken? Ex 18:21
He did not defraud – whom have I defrauded?
He did not oppress – whom have I oppressed?
He did not bribe – of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? Deut 16:18-19
Examine the men and women who hold offices of authority in law, in business, in politics, in religion, in the military, etc. Many of them are prone to abuse their power and violate any one or several of these principles. Choose people in positions of authority based on these principles and abide by these principles yourself when you are in a position of authority.