3 Proactive thoughts regarding personal Sin

Read 2 Samuel 11.

Power and privilege are bestowed upon individuals by God to use in doing good for others.  The responsibility is weighty.  In Luke 12:38, Jesus said, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required."  The most dangerous thoughts a powerful and/or privileged person can have is "I accomplished this by myself" and "I can do whatever I want." 

All of us must exercise personal discipline if we are to guard our moral character and remain faithful to our commitments.  If we do not, we will only prove the scriptures to be true, "pride comes before a fall."

It was the season for military leadership, but David did not go.  On the surface, at least, this appears to be a poor decision on the king's part in the stewardship of his time.  David had numerous wives and concubines but his unguarded desires set in motion a series of sinful decisions.  He had the time, the opportunity and the power to fulfill his lust.

The sins are graphic and self-evident.  There was sex with another man's wife.  Next came the attempted cover up of the resulting pregnancy.  Then, there was the death warrant for an innocent and loyal solider.  Uriah served as one of the elite in Israel's army (23:29).  And, Uriah was not the only one who died in the conspiracy that killed him.  Others died also.  Joab merely followed orders, but in doing so David involved him in this sin.  David's guilt was staggering.  The better part of a year went by without any sign of repentance.

"The thing displeased the LORD." (v.27)

Lessons for all of us.

1. Be self-aware.

We must be vigilant regarding potential compromising situations.

When David saw her, he should have wheeled around and gone back inside.  Instead of sending for her, he should have sent word to her to about her lack of discretion.  When we give in to our weaknesses, we are no longer thinking about the presence of the LORD, the best interests of another person, or the consequences of sin. 

2. Be self-disciplined.

We must be ruthless about our vulnerabilities. 

Everyone is vulnerable in some areas of their character, whether it is in the use of power, the desire for possessions, or the pursuit of pleasure.  The abuses of any or all of these will 100% of the time lead to sin.

3. Be self-less.

We must maintain a respectful and eternal view of other people.

David showed no inkling of regard for God, his own family, for Bathsheba, her husband, for her father, nor even his own military.  There was no display of pity.  His selfish behavior caused him to vacate his spiritual leadership and ministry to others. 

How can God forgive such sinfulness?  How could David continue his leadership after this?  With repentance, God can forgive sin.  Only God could take this convoluted mess and redeem it for His glory.  He did and He does.