Tough Decisions

Decisions are a part of everyday life, and those who make the best decisions in life will have a richer and possibly more successful life. However, making decisions is not always that easy. David found that out as one can see in 2 Samuel 11. Here you can see what a poor decision can do for you.

In 2 Samuel, we read how David looked (vs 2) when Bathsheba was bathing. He then inquired after the woman (3). Then he sent messengers to her (4). He should have stopped looking in the very beginning, but he didn't. How often does this happen today resulting in adultery, pornography, cyberporn, and even what some call cyberadultery? After David learned that Bathsheba was with child, he tried to cover up his sin by deceit and trickery (8, 12). David finally went so far that he stooped to murder (15).

Why did David make such bad decisions during this time of his life? He made his first bad decision in the passion and pressure of the moment. Just as Samson did with Deliah and Peter did when he denied Jesus, David made a snap decision without giving himself time to think it through. David also failed to consider the consequences. Of course, these consequences were severe (10-14). His decision was also hypocritical and could be considered rebellious. Why? Look at verse 4. The Bible says he lay with her for she was "purified from her uncleanness." In other words, he was careful to not break one minor Old Testament law while breaking a major one. The decision to murder was made due to David's own self-imposed restrictions which caused a state of desperation. David had a deadline to beat. He tried to get Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba to cover up his sin, but when Uriah would not do so David felt like he had to act quickly to keep the damage controlled. How often do we set up deadlines or get it in our heads that has to work out a certain way, and we end up making bad decisions based on a narrow perspective? Finally, missing from this passage is counsel. Why did he not seek out godly counsel in this matter? It was probably because he was trying to save face. At that time, covering up his sin was more important to David than Uriah's life. It was more important than repentance and more important than doing what was right.

What does that mean for us today?
1. We learn that we must SAFEGUARD ourselves against pressure. The best way to do this is to make up you mind what you will do before you find yourself in a tempting situation. Don't make poor decisions in the "passion of the moment."
2. STUDY (especially the consequences). We must train ourselves to think of the consequences of our actions. As the Lord said through the prophet Haggai, "Consider you ways" (Hag. 1:5,7).
3. SUBMIT to God. We must do this rather than rebel or act hypocritically (James 4). One of the best things one can do during a time of temptation is to pray.
4. SUBSTITUTE faith for self-imposed restrictions (Hebrews 11:6). It may be hard to turn things over to God, but it is always the best thing to do. Actually, the sooner we do this the better things turn out.
5. SEEK SUBSTANTIVE advice. There are times we all need advice. The key is to get good advice.

It is true that some decisions are not as important as others, but the important decisions can make or break one's life.