We are living in an “outrage culture.” It is normal these days to be offended and to be bold about it either personally or on social media.
Though King David didn’t have social media, we find this week he had a “Karen” in his life that pushed his buttons and likely offended him - over and over again. In today’s message, Pastor Adam examined events from the life of David that included some volatile situations and David’s relationship with difficult people. He then encouraged us all to consider the following responses:
Refuse to be offended. Pastor Adam shared how a pastor early in life taught him this and how it has served him well in his own life. It brings much freedom and peace. David modeled this in our study this week.
Be understanding. Everyone has a story behind the story. There are usually unmet needs behind a person’s behavior, and we often have no idea what is going on in other person’s life. Try to be understanding. David shows understanding in a potentially life threatening situation.
Be untroubled. Try to see the bigger picture and how God might use whatever “mess” is in your life.
Be unresentful. David didn’t hold a grudge. Do you?
INVITATION: Do you allow resentment and offenses to take root in your life? It is inevitable that personal offenses will come along - likely every day. What is the condition of your heart, mind and soul regarding these things? Do you have a “training program” in place relying on the strength of the Spirit, rather than simply a vague hope of trying harder by your own power? What if the way you and I respond to others is actually a visual representation of God’s activity within us? Are you allowing Jesus Christ to change, rearrange and form you from the inside out?
MONDAY: 2 Samuel 15:1-12: Absalom, one of David’s sons, devised a conspiracy to take over David’s kingship. In previous chapters it is clear David had become apathetic and basically checked out of leading the nation and even his own family. The result was chaos. Much is publicized these days about dominant, abusive leaders, but apathetic, passive leaders can also cause chaos and problems. This is true for a nation or a family. A pastor during WWII wrote these words: “In Germany they came first for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time, there was no one left to speak up.” (Pastor Martin Niemoeller). Perhaps you can come up with a prayer regarding when to speak and when to remain silent in your days and weeks? How can you watch and listen for the Holy Spirit in this regard? How might this be helpful in your own family? Your job? Your neighborhood? Your church?
TUESDAY: 2 Samuel 15:13-26: David goes on the run again, but seems to wake up by verses 25-26 and be willing to accept God’s plan for his life and situation - no matter what it may be. Jesus modeled this type of acceptance most clearly when he said “not my will but yours” in Matthew 26. Clearly Jesus had a preference, so he was not apathetic, yet he had a heart stance of interior freedom and wanting only what God wanted. How might you seek that type of heart stance in your life today?
WEDNESDAY: 2 Samuel 16:1-8: When Shimei cursed David, saying “You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!” the refugee king David did not retaliate. In what situations do you feel called to “curse” by blasting someone personally, or by sounding off about some social situation? Christians are called to bless and not curse (Luke 6:28) a principle founded on the belief that goodness can overcome evil, and blessings can counteract curses. Consider how you might reframe your “curse” into a more positive declaration of objection or challenge - and then perhaps follow up with an official in government or a business leader.
THURSDAY: Proverbs 12:16 & 19:11: How might you begin “training” in your life to overlook insults? It doesn’t happen by accident or overnight. How are you growing and developing wisdom in your life? Have you thought about the difference between wisdom and intelligence? Which do you value more? Which do you read about more in scripture?
FRIDAY: Proverbs: 29:11 & 14:9: When did you last “give vent to your anger?” Have you confessed and asked for forgiveness? Do you have some spiritual practices in place to keep short accounts of when this happens in the future or do you “mock at making amends for sin?”
SATURDAY: I Peter 2:21-23: Jesus is our example. Jesus is our help and our strength. How can you call on Him this week to help you have “no deceit” in your mouth when you feel insulted or offended? How can you learn to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-40) more and more often in your daily interactions?