Called out! (Part 2)

King David’s behavior toward Bathsheba and her husband Uriah is terrible, and God’s conviction of David can be seen in several parts. Last week we looked at the first part: how God sent Nathan to recount the blessings David had been given, and how, like the rich man in the parable, David appeared supremely ungrateful. This week, God builds on his judgment of David by specifically referencing his poor choices.

‘Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. (2 Sam. 12:9)

On the heels of rehearsing all of David’s blessings, God asks a question. Why did you act in ways contrary to my teaching, to our history, and to our relationship? He goes on to reference the two bad choices David made, killing Uriah and marrying Bathsheba, but the larger point is that David has deeply offended God with his behavior.

Sometimes in our families and family businesses, our behavior toward others, toward ourselves, and toward God, is unjustifiable. It might be in how we dishonor those closest to us, for example, by being curt with a family member, or ignoring our spouse, or talking behind the back of an in-law. Or it might be in the business choices we fail to make, such as failing to be generous, kind, hospitable, or forgiving. We fall short in demonstrating our faith and leading others to faith. My own hope is to be able to recognize those choices before I make them!

Have you ever made significant decisions that you knew, down deep, ran contrary to your values and aspirations, or to God’s wishes for you? What practices or mentors help you make better choices and decisions?