2 Samuel 13-14; Psalm 79
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After reading yesterday and today’s passages from 2 Samuel, I keep
thinking about the repercussions of giving in to sinful desires, as in desires
that are apart from God’s plan.
There are many bad choices we can make that affect not only ourselves but
everyone around us as well.
Because of David’s sins, God says to him, “the sword will never depart
from your house.”
A phrase my husband uses (I think he got it from one of Henry
Cloud’s books) came to mind: Play the movie forward. If David or Amnon would have stopped and played the movie
forward, I think they would have chosen differently.
In the choices we make every day, whether big or little, whether choices
about a temptation or choices that determine the direction for our lives, what
a difference it can make to simply think about how the movie will play out if
we make that choice.
A simple example I’ve already been challenged on and used this for
was with my kids. With kids ages
6, 4, and 2 my patience is tested every day. Taking just a moment to think about the effect my reaction
and my attitude will have helps me.
If I raise my voice at them or if I’m short with them, it is not going
to help them learn and it will just make me feel guilty. If I stop and calmly teach and guide
them, the outcome is so much better all the way around.
As my son says when he is about to make a bad choice but then
stops and makes the better choice, “Mommy, I paused myself.” I’m learning to pause myself too! And when I do that I can watch for God
to show me which way the movie needs to play out.
What a perfect example Emily of what not only we as Christians should do...but everyone. Unbelievers and believers. When people pause before making a decision they slow down long enough to stop the commotion in their head to be able to make the right decision. Two words to ponder...React and Respond. When we don't pause we naturally React to the commotion in our heads. Pausing allows us to respond. And in responding we make the right choice.In Matthew 19:14, New International Version, Jesus says "Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to these." All children are full of the kingdom of God when they are born, because God created them in His image. Therefore, When they are born they have the ability at birth to the God given principles of how to make decisions. Unfortunately it's we parents who usually react so they learn to react as they get older. It is not "natural" to react. It is "natural" to respond. - Cindy Weaver
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