Sometimes there’s something you’ve known a long time that hits you. I had that this morning, reading about David in 2 Samuel. I realized that one simple verse, 2 Samuel 11:1, is the pivot point that marks a huge change of direction in the life of David, and Israel.
That verse says this: “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.”
David made a decision not to do his job. He decided to stay home instead of doing what kings were supposed to do, lead their troops. Idling instead of working, he gets into trouble with Bathsheba, compounds it with the murder of Uriah, and nothing will ever be the same again. Up till now, both books of Samuel are filled with stories of David’s amazing victories. After this, most of David’s fighting will be with his own family, as punishment for his sin. And all of Israel would suffer with him.
I remember singing as a child, “Oh, be careful, little feet, where you go.” It has often struck me since then how much temptation and trouble could be avoided simply by being in good places and not going to other places. Business travelers who go to restaurants instead of bars stay more faithful to their spouses. Teenagers who party in parents’ homes instead of at the river access are less likely to get drunk. Retirees who spend time on the golf course instead of the casino are less likely to go broke.
There were a lot of other “be carefuls” in that song, but it strikes me that this one of place is important to me. I know where I should be and what I should be doing. When I choose someplace else or something else, my thoughts are on myself instead of serving. My attitude is self-indulgent instead of helpful. And then when I run into temptation I have to find, somewhere in that mood of self-centeredness, the strength to fight for right. I’m at a disadvantage.
God’s blessing is where God is. When I go somewhere else, why should I expect blessing?
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