2 Samuel 24: The Bible Blog

Motive Matters

I can't remember where I was the first time I heard the touching story of the young child who had agreed to donate blood in an effort to save his brothers life. As the story goes this young boy is told that his brother needs some of his blood to live. His parents ask him if he is willing to help. He is sacred, but agrees. The burses prepare him by placing the IV and connecting the tubes that will take his blood; it will then be transferred to his brother. As they finish the procedure the boy turns to his parents and asks "when will I die?" His parents are stunned as they realize the impact of the brothers decision to make the blood donation. The child in his youthful innocence was under the impression that giving his blood to save his brother meant sacrificing his own life.
The motive behind the decision changes everything.
Each decision we make has an underlying motive. That motive is the core difference between obedience to God or rebellion.
Is what I am doing in response to my love for God? is it in response to my love for others? or is it solely based on selfishness or self gratification?
In 2 Samuel 24 David takes a census of the fighting men in Israel. This seemingly normal behavior for a King gets David in some serious trouble with God. David's motive was wrong. It might have been pride, self reliance...
Today as you read this last chapter in 2 Samuel remember, the Holy Spirit is there to help reveal motive and steer us in the right direction, if we only seek him first.

Hope Wirta

Read:
2 Samuel 24