Heavenly Father, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. We can do nothing without you, yet we so often try to achieve our goals in our own ways. Forgive us for serving our own ends above seeking after you. Help us to keep the proper perspective. Teach us to conduct our lives in ways that are worthy of you.
Reflection
The death of Abner proved fatal to Saul’s son, Ish-Bosheth. Without the powerful military leader providing stability for Ish-Bosheth’s army, some of the commanders turned against Ish-Bosheth. These were not foreigners that were brought in for mercenary work. They were from the tribe of Benjamin therefore they were fellow Israelites. When they go to David for a reward, they claim that God approved for their deed. But David calls them wicked men and murders and has them executed for killing an innocent man. David will not accept any help to gain the throne except from the Lord himself, and murdering a fellow Israelite is unacceptable even if it helps him gain what the Lord promised him.
Questions:
- Do the ends justify the means?
- Read Matthew 6:19-24 – Can we take being “practical” or “realistic” too far so that we cease to serve God and serve the goal instead?
- Paul experienced great trials in preaching the gospel (2 Corinthians 6:3-10), but he still lived in such a way that others would not stumble over his actions. How might this fact change how we think about achieving our goals?
- Why is it so easy to desire the goal above God?
Posted by Aaron Miner
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