I Chronicles 17:4
““Go and tell David My servant, ‘This is what the LORD says: “You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in.”‘”
When I read this I breath a sigh of relief. Building the temple would be an enormous task. The resources would be many and the time would be nearly a decade. Granted all of this is outside of my gifting. Smaller projects that I can do and imagine would be fine. This is too big.
I’m not sure of David’s mindset. Was he guilted into proposing this? I would say no. David didn’t appear to have much of a guilt drive. I do. During my first few years as a christian I had much guilt. Part was some guilt inducing factors in my youth and part was the church I was raised in. Part could have been my personality. Not sure of that though.
None of this guilt came from God. The message of grace shook the foothold of guilt. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was like a captive being freed. My chains weren’t physical, but inside. Unfortunately it took years for it to take hold. Guilt would creep back in. I would re-listen to messages to get the release. I could compare it to a steady chipping away of the chains of guilt. Each hearing of grace would loosen the grip until finally I was free of it.
The WWJD concept would come to mind. This could apply to many situations. If I really loved Jesus I would… If I didn’t comply I would feel guilty. There was an old folks home on the way to college. I would stop in on occasion to listen and talk to the residents. In time if I didn’t stop in I would feel guilty. I would take the long way around to miss the home to avoid the struggle.
2 Corinthians 9:7 was helpful in this process, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I was giving of myself grudgingly. At first I enjoyed reaching out to the old folks. However, in time I didn’t. This scripture said it all.
I’ve heard it said that is the reason God gave ten negative commandments. By saying “you can’t do these” opens up the rest. If He would have given positive commands, then we would have been unsure about all the rest. His way gives more freedom.
I haven’t met many people like myself that have a tender conscience. They are there as Paul talks about those weak in conscience. Their versions of struggles are different. God is a big wise God who knows each of us. Amazing.
Lord, thank You for Your grace. It frees the captives. Thank You for freeing us.