I Samuel 14:39
‘“For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not one of all the people answered him.’
What’s uncomfortable about this situation is that many knew what the problem was. Some saw Jonathon eat on the forbidden day. Some of those told him about his father’s foolish oath which started this whole problem. That is no one should eat until the enemy was defeated. None the less, Saul makes a new oath saying that even if it were Jonathon, he would be put to death.
I would like today’s focus to be on how our actions, words and life styles could harm others. It’s clear that king Saul’s words put Jonathon’s life at risk. How does it happen with us? The first thing that comes to mind are our bad habits. We can do destructive things that tend to be passed on. Abuse of substances would be one. We may have it balanced or possibly not, but being involved with it is an example to others in our life. For some it’s not a problem, but it could be for others.
This reminds me of the discussion Paul has in the book of Romans. He says, “For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died”, (14:15). He is speaking of the freedom we have in Christ. Food offered to idols used to be forbidden, but Christ made all clean, so now it wasn’t a problem. However, those weak in faith might feel guilty for doing so. This verse tells us to limit our actions, so as not to cause onlookers to have problems.
How else can we act in a harmful manner? Our attitudes can do this. There are those with a critical manner. This habit makes others around us anxious. If they are children, then they will grow up not feeling good enough. There becomes a constant craving within for acceptance. If it’s an employee, then they would always sense an uncomfortable pressure, even though they may be balanced as a person.
Another harmful act is being unfaithful to a spouse. This destroys families. The marriage could still be healed, that is if the offending party changes. The lives of the children becomes much more complicated. This could also leave an example for them which could lead to the damage of their future relationships.
To be untrustworthy is another problem. The opposite of this is to be trustworthy. One’s words can be relied upon. There isn’t a guessing game. We know where we stand with a trustworthy person. One of my favorite descriptions that Jesus gave to someone happened in John 1:47, ‘Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”‘ Another description of this type of person is genuine. The untrustworthy person can’t be relied upon. This is especially difficult for children. It may be breaking promises or possibly the head games that the individual employs. This causes harm as well as modeling this behavior for others.
Our behavior, attitudes and actions should be a blessing. We aren’t perfect, so we all could improve in some areas. Psalm 139:23, 24 is a great prayer, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” We may have some hurtful ways in us. David is implying that we may not be aware of them. So, he’s asking the Lord to help Him.
God wants to help us. If we yield our lives to Him, He will do this. This used to make me fearful. I was afraid He would take away the things I enjoyed. This demonstrates that I had trust issues. I didn’t understand God’s love. He wants to make us Happy, not the opposite. We can trust Him with our lives.
Lord, we say with David, “search our hearts and know our ways and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Let there not be any attitude or practice that may be harmful to others.