Topic: Are you self-centered?
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 21:20-38.
Memory Verse: “And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.“ 2 Samuel 18:5 (KJV) .
Absalom wanted to overthrow his father, David the king, and he gathered the people in Israel and set them at war against him. To avoid so much blood spillage and save his own life, David ran away from the throne. Upon reaching Jerusalem, the seat of government at that time, Absalom decided to assert his authority by sleeping with his father’s concubines openly which is a sign that he abhorred him. (2 Samuel 16:21-22 KJV). Prior to this Absalom had killed his half brother, Amnon ( 2 Samuel 13:28-29 KJV ) as vengeance for raping his sister Tamar and the Bible shows clearly that both actions were premeditated by Absalom.
At the war between David’s men and Absalom and his armies, it was obvious that only the death of Absalom or that of David could have completely ended the war and David still said to the armies that went to fight for his reinstatement in 2 Samuel 18:5 (KJV), “And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.”
By that statement, King David showed that he valued the life of his son above the lives of several thousands of soldiers that were going to war. This much was also stated by Joab after the war when David wept uncontrollably for the death of his son Absalom but cared less about all the armies that lost their lives in that war! This is the height of self-centeredness. When leaders show that they are more concerned about themselves and their families alone at whatever cost, it shows their selfishness and that is against the word of God. Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV) says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
As a Christian, is there any form of self-centeredness you are exhibiting towards your family, neighbours, colleagues or even subordinates? it is time to quickly address it before it consumes you by preventing you from making it to heaven. The Bible says in Galatians 5:19-21 that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! Such acts show lack of love for others and such a person cannot truly claim he loves God in line with 1 John 4:20-21.
Action Point: Examine yourself for any form of self-centeredness and make amends speedily.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero