Scriptures: 1 Samuel 25:4-13
In these verses we read that David and his men became a volunteer police force: protecting farmers and their flocks. It was shearing time: the time for profit! David asked Nabal to share his food and some of his profit, but Nabal was tight-fisted and refused to share his increase. We should be careful not to overlook the blessing others are providing in our lives: David and his men had made a way for Nabal to have a successful harvest. But Nabal was a one-sided man: he only viewed life through his personal opinions. David was ordained to be the future king and he was already operating in his calling. How did the conflict between these two men occur? It was shearing time and David had sent his men to collect a well-deserved payment. Nabal snubbed David and insulted his men, which caused David's short fuse to be lit and his anger burned against Nabal. Nabal was a man of constant conflict: the Bible calls him "a son of Belial," which is translated to mean a son of lawlessness, worthless to others. Nabal was the personification of pride and unprofitability. Why does the Bible call him a son of Belial? Because no man could speak to him: Nabal could not take advice from anyone. Pride is a major source of natural conflicts. David is drawn into a conflict with Nabal, because David had expectations of how Nabal should have responded to his kindness. David believed that God's blessings on a person's life would create a thankful and grateful heart. Nabal believed that whatever came his way was because of his own actions: again showing his pride! David dealt with the conflict the same way Nabal did, he allowed his pride to call for blood, but because David responds with such anger he almost affected his calling. Conflict is a part of all relationships: it can bring change, growth and understanding. Or it can push us out of God's will. God allows conflict so that our pride can be revealed and then repented of. The road to fulfilling your calling determines how you handle conflict. Jesus is observing how you handle conflicts. Conflicts in the home, on the job, in the church and in the world. He has great plans for your life, but how you handle conflicts will determine how God can use you in His kingdom. Comments are closed.
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