Sinning Like David: Progression
David was a Man After God’s Own Heart. The OT hottie warrior prince who wrote poetry, played the guitar and battled like a beast. David showed mercy to Saul (his murderous king and father-in-law), fought for the honor of his men, led with humility, and exposed his heart with vulnerability. He sought wisdom and deep relationship with God, and he foreshadowed Jesus. But he was also a dirt bag cheater who knocked up his one night stand and had her husband killed to cover it up. The Sunday School kids know this story. Check out 2 Samuel 11 if you need a refresher.
Many a sermon have recounted the incredible truth that God uses flawed, imperfect people to accomplish His glorious plans. David is a fantastic example. Today I want to focus on the progression of David’s greatest sin, because it absolutely applies to me, and I bet it does to you too. (I have to credit Beth Moore’s David: Seeking A Heart Like His for this concept- I definitely would not have come up with it on my own.)
Here’s the scene: Springtime in ancient Israel and the army sets out for war. King David should be leading his men to battle, but sends Joab instead. David is loitering around the palace, bored. Bored people do stupid and dangerous things. Do you know how many regrettable hair cuts I’ve gotten because I had nothing to do?!
Eyes
David: Takes a midnight stroll on the roof of the palace, accidentally sees a woman bathing.
Me: Wanders around house avoiding laundry, sees hardworking husband taking a much deserved nap.
Note: Seeing something isn’t sinful; lingering inappropriately is.
Mind
David, a married man: She’s super hot.
Me, still not folding laundry: He’s so freaking lazy, I have to everything around here, no one helps me, guess I’ll go eat worms and burn these clothes on the front lawn.
Note: This is where you can choose to screw your head back on straight and move on.
Mouth
David: Hey guys, go find out who that girl is.
Me, as snarky as possible: Must be nice to come home and just relax.
Note: Now we’re both on the crazy train we didn’t have to board. Can still escape with minimal damage.
Action
David: Hooks up with Bathsheba, an army wife who’s husband is not only serving where David should be, but is one of his Mighty Men (modern comparison: the president sleeping with the wife of a deployed Army Special Forces soldier)
Me: Picks fight with husband who worked 60 hours this week and just wanted a cat nap before mowing the lawn.
Note: Train has gone off rails and barreled into a village; everything is on fire.
Does this sound familiar? We see something that could trigger an inappropriate response, and instead of side stepping we linger, focus, fester. Spend enough time dwelling on something, it comes out our mouth. Verbalizing gives a thought momentum, which quickly turns into action.
Here’s my takeaway: Guard your thoughts. Be careful where you linger.
If you’re on the crazy train, great news- David also teaches us about repentance and prevention.
