In 2 Chron. 6:8,9 the LORD said to David, “Whereas it was in your heart to build a temple for My name, you did well in that it was in your heart. Nevertheless you shall not build the temple, but your son who will come from your body, he shall build the temple for My name.” In 1 Chron. 28:3 David declared that God told him that, “You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood”.
David was anointed to be king. Under God’s direction he brought the enemies under subjection and brought peace to the nation. He was known as a man after God’s own heart. Yet in fulfilling the purposes of God, in establishing the kingdom and overthrowing the enemies, there were flaws in the way in which he lead the nation. These flaws were exposed when it came to the next phase of David’s life, i.e. building the temple for God. Though the intentions and the plans were appropriate, there were limitations to the extent to which God could work through David.
Though David had been called to rule and he was called to overcome the enemy, yet there was an aspect of human forcefulness that was not in keeping with being a child of the “Son of Peace” (Luke 10:6). The scriptures are clear that we are to be people of peace.
- Gal. 5:22 “but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace”
- Jas. 3:18 “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”
- Col. 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”
- 2 Cor. 13:11 “live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
In some ways we are all called to be leaders. We are all in positions of authority and influence, whether it is on the job, in the church, in our family, in the community, or in the political arena. Though called to lead, I keep wondering how many of us have put limitations on the extent to which we can progress in God’s “building purposes”. Our leadership in the family, the job or the kingdom can be stifled because we are overly sharp, critical or aggressive in our responding to the situations and people around us. Though we can be right in addressing the situation, yet if we were humanly forceful in the way or attitude in which we acted, we may have failed to function in the Spirit of Peace to which we are called (1 Cor. 7:15).
We can excuse ourselves by saying, “Well, this is the way that I do things.” or, “This is the way that I am.” But God does not want us to act or respond in our natural way, instead, He would want us to do them, in the Spirit and nature of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Take a moment to reflect on the attitudes that are present within you as you are challenging, confronting or addressing the needs around you. Then ask our Lord Jesus to help you function in His Spirit and truth.
Recent Comments