What steps can we take to ensure our actions align with God's will? Key Verse: 2 Samuel 11:7 “Uriah came to him, and David asked about Joab and the soldiers and the progress of the war.” Seeing the Warning in David’s Question David’s polite inquiry masked a sinful agenda. His outward action looked harmless, yet his heart was already off-course. From that small pivot we can draw practical safeguards so our own actions stay in step with God. Step 1 – Submit Motives to God Before Moving • Ask, “Why am I really doing this?” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Invite Scripture to expose hidden motives; Hebrews 4:12 reminds us the Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Step 2 – Measure Plans Against God’s Word • David had clear commands against adultery and murder (Exodus 20:13-14); ignoring them paved the road to further sin. • We keep from drifting when we let the Word set the boundaries (Psalm 119:105). Step 3 – Practice Immediate Obedience, Not Delayed Compliance • Small compromises grow quickly; David’s casual chat became a cover-up. • James 4:17: “So then, whoever knows the right thing to do yet fails to do it is guilty of sin.” Prompt obedience cuts off escalation. Step 4 – Seek God-Centered Accountability • David isolated himself; Uriah, Joab, and even messengers were kept in the dark. • Proverbs 27:17 shows iron sharpening iron. Welcoming godly counsel helps us spot blind spots early. Step 5 – Guard the Private Spaces of the Mind • The public question of verse 7 began with a private lust on the palace roof (2 Samuel 11:2). • 2 Corinthians 10:5 calls us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Step 6 – Depend on the Spirit’s Power, Not Personal Cleverness • David used strategy and deceit; the Spirit leads by truth (John 16:13). • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Putting It All Together 1. Examine motives under Scripture’s light. 2. Check every plan against God’s revealed commands. 3. Obey promptly, refusing small compromises. 4. Invite trusted believers to speak into your life. 5. Guard thoughts before they become actions. 6. Lean on the Spirit’s guidance moment by moment. As we practice these steps, our actions remain aligned with God’s will, and we avoid the tragic spiral David entered that began with what seemed like a harmless question. |
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