People without integrity often believe the end justifies the means.  King David of Israel could certainly identify with this kind of thinking.  He fostered the perfect setup to cover his sin at the expense of Uriah the Hittite.   

Uriah was the husband of Bathsheba.  Their story is told in 2 Samuel 11.  It all began when King David of Israel stayed home from the war.  Rested and refreshed, he went out on his roof and saw a beautiful woman taking a bath.  Instead of turning away, he looked.  When he looked, he lusted.   

King David was not to be denied, so Bathsheba was brought to the King’s house.  Later she sent word that she was expecting a child.  King David came up with a plan that would protect him and Bathsheba.  For the penalty of taking another man’s wife was death to both.   

David sent for Uriah who was battling the Ammonites with David’s army under the pretense of wanting to know how the war was going.  Then Uriah was commanded to go home for the night, but instead he slept at the door of the King’s house.  When questioned, Uriah gave an answer that spoke to his character.  

“And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife?  As thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.”  2 Samuel 11: 11 (KJV) 

King David had to come up with another plan.  He decided to try the wine and dine routine, thinking that a drunk Uriah would go home to his wife.  It didn’t work, for Uriah again slept in the servants’ quarters at the King’s house.  

Finally, there seemed to be only one plan left.  King David sent a message to Joab by Uriah’s own hand.  The message said:  “…set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.”  2 Samuel 11:15 

Uriah was killed in battle, for Joab obeyed his King.   

The prophet Nathan confronted King David about his terrible sin.  God in His mercy let David and Bathsheba live, but caused their baby conceived in sin, to die.   

Uriah was a man of integrity who lived by his ethical and moral principles.  He served King David well, a valiant man who obeyed his king and fought to the death.  If only he had read the message…  Lesser people would have and been saved. 

Which would you rather be:  a person of integrity having God’s favor or a person with questionable integrity finding favor with man?  It is a choice each of us must make every day.  The pull to compromise our integrity is strong.  Many believe the end justifies the means, so give their loss of integrity no further thought. 

A righteous man will feel the pull of sin, but will strengthen his resolve so that he might stand with humility and dignity as a conqueror over his flesh.  The righteous man cannot be bought.  He is strong in the Lord for he seeks Him daily.  He is a man who knows the Master and stays near to Him.

Lessons from Vernon 

Sometimes life experiences teach more than we ever expected.  Sometimes the things we go through, take us farther in spiritual growth than anything we could be told or read.  So it was with me...

Vernon moved into my heart in 1992 and stayed for fifteen years and counting.  Taking Vernon on was a major undertaking since he was a very unruly English Springer Spaniel.  I just didn’t know how challenging he would be, nor how much I would learn about myself as we grew together.   

Vernon, an unwanted gift from friends, belonged to neighbors.  During his first week with his new family, we had the happy privilege of dog-sitting. What a livewire!  Outside, he ran circles so fast that all we could see was a little black blur.  Later when he was too big and rowdy inside, his new family moved him outside to a doghouse and a rope.  He kept escaping his rope, and I would tie him up again.  That’s how our bond formed—I was always rescuing Vernon.   

Then one day, Vernon came to stay.  I was overjoyed and so was he, leaping into my arms to prove his love and devotion.  He became my constant shadow, always with me.  At first I chafed under his constant neediness.  I’d had dogs before, but Vernon was different.  He had separation anxiety.  Picture your dog clinging to your leg, begging you not to go, and you have a pretty good idea of Vernon’s reaction whenever I left.  Coming home was always a joyful occasion, since Vernon could not control his elation.  There was lots of jumping and general pandemonium.   

We tried obedience training, but Vernon proved to be very stubborn.  Plus he didn’t like other dogs.  So we were on our own.  I soon learned I was to be the constant in his life.  It was a tradeoff for he taught me patience and endurance.  Vernon pushed me to my limits on everything!  When we walked, it was a marathon race, I couldn’t slow him down.  I ran to keep up!  I struggled to bring a measure of control to our life, but Vernon wasn't listening. 

Vernon loved to bark, especially when he wanted inside.  Fancy barking collars and spray bottles didn’t deter him in the least.  He learned to keep on barking to avoid the electrical shock.  He could bark non-stop until he was hoarse.  We finally gave in and allowed him in the house, white carpet and all.  Our neighbors never said anything, but they must have been tired of hearing constant barking.  I know we were when he lived at their house!

I love to sleep late, not Vernon.  He was an early bird, ready to greet the sun every morning.  Rolling over never worked, for Vernon would pounce at the edge of the bed until I poked my head out.  When that didn’t work, he didn’t mind barking loud enough to wake the entire household.  Okay, so I gave in again.  After awhile, it was just easier than trying to train an unwilling to be trained dog.

Vernon would never come when called, and that proved to be his undoing.  The day came when he escaped, and not having a fence, he was soon running across our busy road.  Coming home a little later at full speed with silky ears flying, he plowed into a pickup truck.  It was a horrible moment watching him crawl to me and I moved to him. 

I thought it was over for Vernon, but after months of care, he miraculously pulled through, with no hint of injury.  His stubbornness helped him through the difficult days of confinement while his broken pelvis and torn shoulder knitted back together.  I learned new care giving skills, besides forming a particularly close bond with Vern.  His devotion never wavered.  I cried when he crawled in great pain over and past his barricades to find me in the living room.  His physical pain wasn't as bad as the pain in his heart when I wasn't there.  After that, we all took turns sitting with him because he didn’t like being left alone. 

I suppose Vern was babied and coddled way too much.  After all, he was just a dog, but who can resist the heady feeling of being needed?  It’s almost addictive!  Vernon couldn’t live without me it seemed.  No matter my mood, Vernon was very accepting.  Our family fell into a routine of care for Vernon.  Life revolved around Vernon’s outdoor times, his walks, his playtime, and his meal time.  We fit the essential things in between.  It was easier that way.

When Vern was diagnosed with high blood pressure in the prime of his life, we worried.  Medications kept him in balance most of the time, but eventually, his body began to reveal the signs.  His sight diminished with the gradual detachment of his retinas.  The effects of the accident years earlier caused arthritis in his old age.  He hated his ears to be cleaned, to the point of growling, and okay I gave in again.  His hearing diminished too.  Urinary problems followed, and soon we were taking Vern out more frequently.  Diapering was next, and everyone thought we were nuts, but he was so lively.  We just weren't ready for the inevitable.  He adjusted fairly well to his handicaps, and I became adept at guiding him with a touch.  I blazed the trail for him, and he followed.   

I couldn’t see that he was slowly losing ground.  I held on as tight as I could, reluctant to let him go.  My need had become greater than his.  He was there when Mother died; he was my companion when my husband worked late.  He was my protector and my friend.  I knew what he needed before he did, and he knew when to come over to give me a little nudge of encouragement.  His gentle snoring kept me company as I worked at my computer, and he ate the dregs of my cereal bowl.   

Our loss was tangible when we finally let him go.  We were so conditioned to being home at a certain time, we felt guilty shopping all day.  Without Vernon, I didn’t get my walks.  As I suspected, Vern was adept at keeping me from being a couch potato.  What was I going to do without my ‘personal trainer?’    

In time, I realized I was finally free.  I had been imprisoned for so long, caring for Vernon.  I felt guilty and relieved all at the same time, much like many caregivers.  I am blessed for having known and loved Vern.  He brought great joy to my life, and filled the voids of loneliness.  He also taught me how to live.  Go full speed ahead, and don’t look back!  Enjoy everything with relish and gusto!  Don’t be afraid to explore new places or taste new foods!  Love with your whole being, and never let go! 

Vernon will always have a place in my heart.  Thanks Vernon for the life lessons!

P.S. This dog is not Vernon, but He looks so much like him, I couldn't resist.  Vernon would never have sat this still!