I Samuel 24:11
“So, my father, look! Indeed, look at the edge of your robe in my hand! For by the fact that I cut off the edge of your robe but did not kill you, know and understandth at there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life, to take it.”
There's a saying that is "Be the better person". Meaning, be the mature one. Don't pay tit for tat. Jesus best summed it up like this, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", (Matthew 7:12). David is saying you are seeking to kill me. I had an opportunity to kill you, but didn't do it.
We will always have people playing mind games. They are disenguous, but would never admit it. It's part of their game. They aren't honest. If we seek to discuss it, they deny it. In that case we obey the bible as it says, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him", (Proverbs 26:4). We treat them the way we would like them to treat us. Our nature wrestles against this. Shots open up and we are tempted to take them. When we do they never work out the way we imagine, but spiral down quickly.
This is being godly. Jesus' entire ministry could have been filled with gotchas. When the pharisees asked for a sign, he could have done it. But he knew even those wouldn't satisfy them. So, He lived His life being above the frey and not lowering Himself to their level.
Acting this way we show integrity. One's life is congruent with inner ideals. Our conscience rewards us with inner sunshine. This is before the rewards God gives. He provides His peace and joy. Not because of what we've done. More like our actions don't interfere with the peace and joy He gives His us.
There is an interesting scripture in Psalm 84:5 ,"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion." The bible is our guide and the Lord has given us a conscience and His Holy Spirit in us. He provides guidance in us through these. It's an internal gps. Sometimes we turn right or left, other times we are told to be patient, or apologize, or show grace and so on. By doing this we are on the road to Zion. Be sure to listen to the song, "Road to Zion", by Petra (not Damien Marley). Amazing old school christian music.
Being on the road to Zion is more about character development and proximity to God, than locations. It's like Jesus with His two followers on the road to Emmaus, we usually aren't aware of all that God is doing, but our hearts are warm in us. Then He turns on the light and we see what He's been trying to teach us.
David was on the road to Zion, while Saul was on the populated, wide road of self interest. David followed the Lord, while jealous Saul followed David as he tried to eliminate his competition.
Lord, help us to follow You and Your ways. Thank You for all the amazing things You have in store for us.