04/21/2009
Today, when people fall into adultery, the example of David and Bathsheba is often used seeking common ground. Not only that many even see David’s sin as greater. The fact of the matter is, we will never know, nor can it be compared that way!
David’s circumstances were entirely different from the ones we face today. David was king and had everything under his authority. His rulings were final and everyone was submitted to him. He could easily abuse the laws for his own gain as he was the head. He had great freedom, more than any of us have ever experienced. He was in a setting that gave him maximum liberty to sin!
None of us have that kind of freedom today. We are subject to the laws of the land and there are a lot of circumstances in the natural that restrict us. If we had the liberty David had, probably we would have most likely committed more grievous sins than him. However, we don’t or cannot because of our place and position.
While this may seem in our favor as to not sinning, on the contrary it is not. Herein introduces itself the law and standard laid out by Christ. We are judged by our motives, words and even looks (Matthew 5:27, 28 Matthew 5:21, 22). Lusting after a woman is committing adultery. Being angry with ones brother and calling him a fool or such is equivalent to murder.
It could be said that if we lusted in our mind, most likely we would commit the act if we had the freedom to do it in the natural without consequences. The same to with words; if we are angry enough to curse someone, we might even kill them if we had the total freedom to do so if there was no accountability afterward!
Commenting further on the words we speak, it can cause great harm to others when spoken out of anger or with evil intent. Just as arrows and daggers can injure people in the natural, angry and hateful words can injure or kill people’s spirit man. That is why Jesus gives weightage to words spoken. We are justified and are condemned by our words.
In conclusion, let us not look to justify or find common ground for our mistakes. Let us acknowledge, repent and take full responsibility for them!
