I was listening to a lesson from www.lifechurch, and the speaker (Craig Groeschel) was beginning his series on “Habits of a healthy heart.” (Very impressive and recommended series.)
He begins by asking “Who do you lie to the most?”
He follows this with “Lies we tell ourselves!”
He then opens a deeper but connected topic of “THE HABIT OF SELF eye opening or should I say a bit challenging.
The story of David and Bathsheba (II Samuel 11-12) introduces how messed up (unguarded) David was and how this led to his sin with Bathsheba. The ‘cover-up’ he thought was complete. However, Nathan came after everything happened, and told the story of 2 men, one was rich and one was poor. One had everything and one had very little. The rich man has a feast, takes the ONLY lamb that the poor man has and kills it, and has a feast. Of course David is oblivious (self deceived) to the point Nathan is making, and in his anger says the rich guy must die. Nathan points his finger at the king and says, “Attah eesh,” (ie. “you are the man!”)
If you know the story, you know David’s heart was broken, his feeble attempt at covering up his sin had failed. He was so sorry, he had sinned against God, (as well as others). He repents, and is told his sin is put away and will not die. However, there were consequences.
You need to listen to this to get the full impact.
We really can deceive ourselves. being drawn into sin, and gradually being drawn away into the trap by our own lust. Yet this is not just about David and his fall, it’s about the true danger of sin. How can we guard the heart? How to heal the heart. That’s the question.
Craig’s first point on that is THE HABIT OF SELF EXAMINATION, and realizing the need to open up to God.
In the first place, God sees it anyway! Why do we try to hide?! Ask Adam and Eve! They ‘tried,’ They ‘covered up.’ Just like we do. Where is Nathan when we really need him? Someone to come and point their finger and just tell us… “You are the guy!” “You are the gal!” “You sinned!”
B.T.D.T. is a short way of saying , “Been there done that!” Dear God help us.
D.G.U.O.M. is a short way of pleading, “Don’t give up on me!”
Forgiveness is a sweet concept, read Psalms 51 then 32.
Grow in grace friends.
More coming.
