David is all royalty and loyalty

I mentioned a few weeks ago in class that David was a good example of enduring to the end, but I was wrong. I had read three or four conference talks regarding enduring to the end and studied in the scriptures about it and was making my case and looking forward to a good discussion and them I read in the Old Testament study guide these exact words: David is not a good example of enduring to the end. My balloon popped and I’m grateful the Spirit popped it because it was my balloon (Lisa's doctrine) and not the Lord’s.

The definition of one who endures to the end is one who merits (with the overwhelming aid of Christ) eternal life. David was responsible for taking Uriah’s life, which does not merit eternal life.

However, I have been overwhelmed at David’s persistence in praising the Lord for mercy and justice. How often have we seen in out study of the Old Testament the people leave gospel teaching and worship, they turn to idolatry, to other Gods who they made to rationalize and justify their wickedness. David does not do this. David repents and implores the aid of the Lord of the earth. He commits two horrible sins affecting many other lives, but he continues to worship the one true Lord.

Is this hypocrisy?

We are all hypocrites at one time or another, so let’s not condemn each other of such a judgment for that would be hypocritical, right? It is the life of a human and it is the life we are asked to take part in. Whether our circumstances come because of other’s choices or because of our own short-sighted choices, we are asked to repent. It’s part of the plan: we can repent and allow others their repentance as well and not condemn them.

In Psalms 51:12-14, David tells the Lord that after he is forgiven he will teach the people about the one true Lord and about Salvation. This is the same sentiment we see in The Book of Mormon when the people of Alma are converted and when Alma the younger is converted and many others. David does quite a good job with this for the people of his time (he ruled and judged Israel according to gospel principles) as well as recording the Psalm to help convert us.

Despite the demands of justice, of which David is aware, he still sees his life as his time to prepare to meet God and HE DOES NOT GIVE UP ON THIS even though he has broken covenants. He maintains hope that the only God of the people who has power to save him is the Lord. Not only does he maintain hope in the Savoir for his own life, but he promises to teach others about it. Us, namely.

I see David either authoring or agreeing with this statement in Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand [ftnt:anywhere else]. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. What wonderful eternal perspective and an example of hope and faith.

So, while David did not technically endure to the end, his loyalty remained with the Lord, and as we see in Psalms 86 (David’s soul redeemed from hell) he is blessed for it.