Pursue Holiness
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Samuel 11:1-27, 12:1-31 and Psalm 69:30-36 (NIV)
Daryl Tay (PTM, BeTween)
READ:
2 Samuel 11:1-27 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This account of David’s devious sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah is a sobering account for me.
What stood out to me are a few principles on humanity. First, the best (or outwardly, most holy) of us is still highly vulnerable to falling into sin. David was a man in close relationship with the LORD. He had seen firsthand the victories that God had won for the Israelites and he most certainly knew that God is holy and real. Second, as the saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s playground.” While his army was away at war, David was relaxing on the roof. I didn’t think too much about why he was so free, after all, a king should be able to do whatever he wants. But therein lies my third observation, unbridled power has an insidious, corruptive nature to it. Even God’s chosen ruler (or in modern context), God’s chosen ministers or leaders are not immune to the sinister influence of power!
APPLY:
This passage serves as a blaring alarm bell to me. First, to not grow complacent in hating sin and ruthlessly weeding out sin in my life.
Second, as much as what I say and do are important, my thought-life is just as important to God. Am I harbouring thoughts in my mind that are displeasing to God? Are they the stuff that ‘I would never say out loud’ or let others know?
Finally, to hold power and influence loosely. I have been called to leadership in this season of my life. Do I idolize the power and influence that comes along with it? I think the truest test is if one day, I am stripped of my power and influence, will I still be able to love and serve the LORD? I hope my answer will always be a resounding YES.
DO:
I have been reading about the practice of the examen of consciousness and I do not think it is by sheer coincidence. Through engaging in this spiritual discipline more regularly, I hope to see myself more clearly in the light of God’s presence each day, inviting the Holy Spirit to make me aware of unconscious sins (even in my thoughts) and deep-seated sinful “trust structures” that do not rely on God. Lastly, I hope to take it one step further by naming these sins and confessing them before God, asking Him for the resolve to repent and turn back to Him.
PRAY:
Dear Abba Father, You love and know me so deeply. You desire me to be holy, just as You are holy. I confess to You the moments when, out of my own human weakness, I have fallen short. Forgive me and help me to see myself in the light of Your loving presence each day. Finally, transform me to be more and more like You. In Christ’ name I pray, Amen.
