Don't Be Side-Tracked

The heading of today’s discourse carries two weighty and wise words to us all.

Commanding word - It wisely commands us not to be side-tracked. We are not being asked to think about it and make value decisions based on our thoughts

Cautioning word – It cautions us to be aware that we can be side-tracked. It matters not who we are or how invincible we may think we are, we can be side-tracked.

Here’s a reminder of where we are and what’s going on. We were given this Bible text. Here is the head of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, your enemy who tried to kill you. This day the LORD has avenged my lord the king against Saul and his offspring. 2 Samuel 4: 8b. These are words spoken to David, by two men, who have come with victoriously good news, explaining and proving to David that this is the day the LORD has avenged him against all his enemies. They are not just telling words to the king, but they are explaining and showing that what they are saying is true. They have the visible, tangible proof, for the head of Ish-Bosheth, is in their hands. Certainly, all that David is hearing and seeing should make him dance and jump for joy, in high, loud praises to his Sovereign God. But does it?

Mind-Halt: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.

Don’t be side-tracked here! Don’t fix your mind, your thoughts, or your words, on the action of murder, for to do so will lead you into full deception and folly. This is what I mean. You know that we are talking about people helping to bring about God’s spoken word, God’s given word, God’s promise, without God’s authority. You know also that God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours. Nonetheless, when we are shown this example of Baanah and Rekab, straightway, we frown our faces and shake our heads at something so inhumane and blood-curdling. We wonder how anyone could presume to think that taking the life of another, is of God? Yes! Straightaway, we have missed the mind and way of God in this, for what we have been shown, is an example of the thoughts and ways of people, who try to facilitate God’s promises, without Him sending them or giving them His authority so to do.

Mind-Halt: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.

If we are not side-tracked, presuming that this is about the way two men presumed authority, in working out the things of God, the mind and way of God, then we will receive all that our Lord wishes us to receive. Through His ever working Holy Spirit, we will come to know ourselves, our thoughts and our ways, which we believe are right and good, but are not of God.

Here is a case in point. While I am in the bowels of being schooled on this and writing as I am being taught, I receive a telephone call from a friend and we have a little chat. In chatting, I am told of her dilemma, where a friend of hers is always moaning, complaining and wailing about his lack of finances to do what is necessary to keep his head above water. She admitted to me that she would help him from time to time. She knows that God wants her to help him, but this time, she is having doubts about what he is complaining about. She wisely told me that she had to seek God’s mind on this and not just offer to help.

My friend does not know this, but what she said, brought greater clarity and convincing proof that we must never presume with God and never be side-tracked about it. The mere fact that God is helping her friend through her, does not mean that every time he cries out his financial woes, every time he speaks to her about how hard he is trying to work and help himself, every time he shows how it seems as if fate is against him, she has to offer him financial assistance.

To do anything of God, which is not the way of God, is to displease God immensely.

Remember Joshua? Prayer is of God and this faithful servant was doing what was of God. However, it was not the mind and way of God for Joshua in that present situation.

To give any assistance, or do any good works, accustomed or not, is detrimental to you, if it is not the will of God. Never presume or take God for granted.