So many times, in life we have choices to make. Some are choices of right or wrong, while others are choices of preference. Unless we know God’s word many times, we take the attitude of “what difference will it make.” In those situations, we often do not think things through, and we do not take into account the long-term ramifications of a situation. We look at the moment instead of eternity.
Let us look at a situation where looking at the possibilities should have been observed, but were not. My first thought of a biblical example runs quickly to David. He was on his rooftop porch when he saw Bathsheba in her courtyard taking a bath. We know he should have looked away but he didn’t. Following his lustful feelings led to suffering great consequences. But let’s back up to earlier in the day or even the week. Let’s look at what difference it would have made if he had examined his actions instead of thinking those choices made no difference. In II Samuel 11:1 we find it was the time of year when kings went to battle with their armies. They were the leaders of their forces. In the previous chapter, he had gone to war with his army against the Syrians. The battle was successful and perhaps he thought it was not necessary for him to be in battle now. Instead, verse 2 tells us he stayed in Jerusalem and took time to be at ease on his bed. Since he was enjoying his life of ease, napping in the afternoon, he was not sleepy when night came. Awake with nothing to do He goes to the rooftop, and this is where his sin of adultery begins. While gazing at her was wrong, he still could have stopped the sin and repented, but he did not and each time he made the wrong choice the consequences became greater. Adultery led to lying, the death of Bathsheba’s husband, to the involvement of others in his deceit. It led to the death of his baby, to rape of his daughter, to death of other children, and to strife and shame upon his family and country. He was idle and this gave an open door to temptation. One temptation led to another and In II Thessalonians 3:11 Paul speaks of idleness and the consequences of it. They have nothing to do so they become busybodies. In Proverbs 19:15 the writer goes so far as to say that a person who lives a lazy life, an idle life instead of working and doing his duty, should not eat. David made bad choices because he did not think about what could have happened. He had a “what’s the difference” attitude. How could one evening of romance and fulfilling his lust hurt anyone?
II Samuel 11:1-2 “And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof, he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.”
II Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.”
Proverbs 19:15 “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger”
We need to all take a long look at what we do and where it can lead. It is easy to see how slippery steps can lead to a fall, so we take precautions to be careful on them and if we want to make sure we don’t fall, we avoid the steps completely. This same principle should apply to other areas of our lives. Stop and look at the progression and how you may be leaving a door open to Satan for further temptations. Stop, and think about what message you may be sending to your children or others who watch you. For instance, what about choosing to do activities during church services instead of attending bible classes and worship services? Think about what you are teaching your children when you allow them to play instead of listening to the preacher. Young children will not understand everything they hear but when you make them sit still and try to listen you are teaching them respect for God’s house. When they are able to understand half the battle will already be won if they can sit and listen. Does this require a lot of work on your part? Absolutely, God calls it training. You are teaching and training for their eternal souls. When they go to school you are teaching and training for a successful life in the workforce. Use this same method in evaluating every area of your life. What difference will it make? Your life will become more focused on God, your mind will be at peace, worries will be surrendered to God’s control, and you will have a greater impact on the kingdom everywhere you go.
