2 Samuel 12:13a “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’”

ONCE YOU START

Here we are at probably one of the two most told stories about David.  The other is when he kills Goliath.  That’s a great story.  But here…well…this is another side of David we haven’t seen.  This is a story of his failure.

It starts out innocent enough.  He accidentally sees a lady bathing on a rooftop.  But that look turns to lust which leads to sin, which leads to another sin and another sin. You get the picture.  Once David decided to go against God’s commandments, he started down a slippery slope.

TEACHING MOMENT

Have you ever caught your child in a lie?  They are caught red-handed, but they begin to fabricate a story to try to get out of it.  One lie leads to another lie.  That’s exactly what David did.  This would be a great story to share with your child at such a time.  Now, depending on their age, you may want to “adapt” what you tell them started all of this. But they need to see how lies can build until someone gets hurt.

How can we teach our children the importance of always telling the truth and doing what’s right?  Simple.  Teach them God’s Word.  Teach them to follow His commands.  If they do that, they are safe.  But the moment they decide to do things their way…well…they are subject to failure.

How are you doing with this?  Are you making your decisions based on what you think is best or what you want to do?  Or are you seeking the Lord before you make that decision?  We are just as tempted as our children to do what we think is best.  We are just as tempted to follow the example of David, if we think we won’t get caught.

Decide today to not take that first step.  Don’t put one foot on that slippery slope.  If you do, it’s downhill from there.  The only way out is confession.  If that’s where you are, then confess it now.  Stop what you are doing and let Him cleanse you.

Father, I have sinned against You and You only!  Forgive my sin!  Cleanse my heart!