Bad Business
Today’s Verse:
And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. ~Judges 16:20
Samson was the strongest man of his day and possibly one of the strongest men ever to live. He was a special gift from God to his father and mother. From his very conception, he was set apart for the service of God as a Nazarite. He was born with the purpose of being a spiritual leader to the nation of Israel. He was a man incredibly gifted by God with extreme strength. However, Samson engaged in bad business. Samson typifies how we can forfeit our privileges and gifts and lose the edge that God has blessed us with. Our devotion this morning is a reminder that it is bad business for us to be neglectful of our calling and gifts.
Samson forfeited his privileges through covetousness.
Samson had a weakness for beautiful women. He failed to guard his eyes, his thoughts, and his emotions whenever he saw a beautiful woman. He coveted relationships that were not within the scope of God’s will for his life. He was dedicated to a vow of purity and separation, but as a man, he continuously fell through covetousness. Covetousness is when we desire something or someone to the point where our sole objective is to obtain it. It becomes the idol in our life that ensnares us. When covetousness possesses us, we become its servant until its sensual hunger is satisfied.
Samson forfeited his privileges through carelessness.
Samson had a low regard for his calling and gifts. He presumed that he was stronger than he really was. He presumed that the gift of strength was really his own and not a gift from God. He forgot that gifts of service are on loan to us from God. He presumed that he was above other men. He negotiated with temptation when he should have run away. He dialogued with the devil when he should have quoted Scripture. He let down his spiritual guard. He put his head in the lap of the one woman who would be his downfall. This was like placing his head in the lion’s mouth. He was reckless and careless in allowing himself to come so close to the cause of his eventual downfall.
Samson forfeited his privileges through conceitedness.
Samson was filled with pride. He boasted of his strength. He presumed that his strength would never leave him. He said, “I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself." He was so full of himself that he excluded God from his considerations and need. He presumed that he did not need God as he had needed Him in the past. He presumed that God would tolerate his careless behavior and be upon him as at other times before. However, he was wrong! "He wist not that the LORD was departed from him."
It is risky business for us to think that God’s power and strength can be ours no matter how we live our life. It is risky business for us to think that we can go to sleep in the devil’s lap without paying a terrible price. In the end, Samson became like other men and wound up a loser. Don’t forfeit the precious things of Heaven for wrongful desires. Instead of risky business, be someone who pursues righteous business. Stay close to God and do not allow your desires and thoughts to wander.
Have a protected God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 18-20