I woke up this morning, intending to write about something else. But after I dug into the Word, I knew God had something entirely different in mind. So for now, the dog story and application will remain on hold. ☺
I landed, today, in II Samuel 15 and the rebellion of Absalom and subsequent national rebellion of the people against King David, Absalom’s father. After welcoming Absalom back into his life (after fleeing after murdering his half brother Amnon), Absalom “thanked” his father by subsequently plotting to take away his throne. I’m thinking David probably had some better ideas for ways to repay him for his gratitude, but clearly Absalom did not get the memo.
The truth is, Absalom thought it was all about him for some time. He didn’t develop his mouth watering for power overnight. Instead, his good looks, persuasive actions and lack of accountability led him to believe he could do what he wanted and get away with it. He was a master of manipulation and knew how to work the system to get what he desired.
So it made sense that he would hatch an elaborate plan to win over the people from his father by means of mental extortion. The nuts and bolts of his plan was that he would go to the city gate where traffic was heavy and he could have the most visibility. (Since Jerusalem was the nation’s capital, business and government affairs were conducted there.) There he would involve himself in people’s concerns and complaints and sympathize with them, trying to plant seeds of discontent and anger in their heart. He would do this to make David look bad and himself look good.
“I understand your concerns…”
“If it were me, I would do it this way…”
“I am here for you….”
“I wish he would understand the way I do…”
“I agree with you…”
He even tried to look humble by not allowing people to bow before him in reverence, instead responding to them in a less-kingly way. He did all the “right things”, but in his heart, it was all wrong.
His subtle control got him what he wanted. The proof is in the pudding in verse 6 when it says, “…Absalom stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.” Seemingly, Absalom was serving these people from a position of ministry. Truthfully, he was serving only himself.
As God is continuing to call me to a place of ultimate purity in my life, I have to take a lesson from this story and receive His memo to me. In the midst of the “good thing” I do in my life, what am I really trying to do? Do I serve to make myself feel better? Do I want to be seen as a spiritual mentor or communicator for pride sake? Am I trying to steal hearts away from God or others and for myself?
It’s not a new issue for any of us, I’m afraid. But it is an issue that must constantly be checked…and re-checked…and checked, again. Our motive…our desire…our goals. The “good thing” that, in the blink of a nanosecond, can go really bad.
Ironic, then, that I am in the midst of a Bible study called No Other Gods.
I’m adding to my “gods to watch” list…the god of the good thing.
Serving.
Speaking.
Ministering.
Caring.
I've seen where Absalom's "good thing" got him. (II Samuel 18) I think I prefer to do the good thing the "big G" God's way.
14 comments:
I like that--gods to watch list. I can add several others! Thanks so much for this post! God had this planned all along for you today!
All went well in the Bible studies yesterday! Woohoo! Chapter 2 looks great!! Let me know if you have ideas to add!! Loved the part about your hubby running the NYC marathon! You were so on target!
Love ya,
Susan
Thank you ,Lisa for sharing your heart. I love you.
This post struck me between the eyes, Lisa. Thank you for following God's call in your writing and speaking and reporting here! I off to open the word and listen!
Ewwww...that Absalom sounds like the villain character straight out of a Disney movie, doesn't he? David's many trials with his family have always fascinated me. I still marvel at the messes the man after God's heart managed to get himself into.
But I love this, Lisa. I love how you are always holding your life up to the Word--the best plumb line there is.
I hope you had a nice visit with Monty.
Luv,
laura
Excellent study! I like that, too. I think I may have to start a "gods to watch" list.. Thanks for baring your heart, Lisa.
I really loved and needed this post Lisa. What you wrote here...As God is continuing to call me to a place of ultimate purity in my life
I love the continuing part especially because it just shows He is never done with us.
This post was really great...thank you for letting God direct you this morning.
Love you,
Lelia
yes, thank you...
I'm doing the NOG study also. We will discuss week three tomorrow. Isn't it absolutely awesome. I love it...how she asks us to dig into scripture, reading and then answering questions. She has a great way to write with humor and almost like she is right there talking. The material is really good and causes the brain to think deep about gods we may not realize we have.
Hi Lisa,
Oh what a timely post. The God's to watch list. I understand about checking my motives, I constantly need to be aware of them in my job, to make sure I'm not doing something to make myself look good at the expense of someone else.
And considering how Absolom's life turned out, I'm with you I want to stay on God's plan and not my own agenda.
Hope all is well your way.
Love,
Carol
This reminds me of the song, "Know My Heart" by Sara Groves. Have you heard it? Definately worth putting on your i-pod. It's from her album "Conversations."
Motives is a HUGE thing for a people pleaser, approval seeker like me. Constant subject of prayer.
Your list has really spoken to my heart.
The god of the good thing...serving, speaking, ministering, caring...specifically also for me: blogging.
Relinquishing the good is hard, yet I don't want to settle for good...I need God.
Thanks for this convicting post. Going to prayer,
Joy
I'm in agreeance with the other ladies about liking the "gods to watch" list. I witness on a daily basis people who try to win others over by mental extortion, and it grieves me to think people are so blinded by this way of acting. I don't want to fool myself into thinking that that is what life is all about, as it's not. I like how you ask, "In the midst of the “good thing” I do in my life, what am I really trying to do? Do I serve to make myself feel better? Do I want to be seen as a spiritual mentor or communicator for pride sake? Am I trying to steal hearts away from God or others and for myself?" I will make sure I keep a check on the "good things" that I do too and remember that God is the centre, and reason, for it all and not me. Love Paula :-)
You are in a very good bible study-it helps one to re-focus even when we didn't realize we need to!
Blessings~
In His Graces~Pamela
A good poke and prod from God's Word. Thank you for digging deep to remind us about our motives behind our service.
True service to God leaves little room for anything else but my obedience in the matter.
Hope you've had a good week.
peace~elaine
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