2 Samuel 11:1 (ESV): “In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.”
The Scripture says, “Idle hands are the devil's workshop (Prov 16:27).” When we are bored, we are more apt to sin. Set yourself up to win against sin by keeping yourself in the battle.
After putting the fear of God into the Syrians, David put his life on autopilot. Springtime came and Joab led the troops into battle against the Ammonites but David stayed home. This was the beginning of a downward spiral into sin for David. One day while overlooking the city, he saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba taking a bath on her rooftop. Hello! Enter temptation. David’s desire for her turned to immorality, which bred even more sin. It was idleness that played a big role in David’s downfall with Bathsheba.
How do you guard yourself against being idle? It's not to say staying busy is the end-all answer to overcoming sin. It isn't, but it helps! Sin is a heart issue and idleness causes us to let our guard down. Don't stay home from the battle. Determine to keep your mind focused on the things above and keep your hand on the plow. Don't slip into idleness. This is part of how we keep our hearts yielded to Christ! Amen?
Father, thank You for the work You have called us to. Help us to stay productive and faithful so we don't fall into idleness. To You be the glory forever and ever, in Jesus' name, amen.
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