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2 Samuel 7 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
We live in a society of bare minimums. What’s the least I can pay and still buy that? What’s the least I can spend and still earn rewards? What’s the least I can do and still get into Heaven?
The bare minimum attitude often bleeds into our spiritual lives where we view God as a genie who will grant our desires as long as we do or say the right things. Many self-professing Christians believe you don’t have to go to church to be saved. Many of them believe you don’t have to tithe either. I’m not here to debate them. I’m simply presenting the opinion that a bare minimum view of God leads to a bare minimum lifestyle.
Imagine reciting your wedding vows to your future spouse and saying, “I commit to doing the bare minimum required in order to keep this marriage alive.” People would be shocked. You’d be lucky if your spouse agreed. No one would say this at their wedding, yet, many of us demonstrate this type of attitude with God. It is the difference between a covenant and a contract. A covenant is an all-inclusive commitment that cannot be broken. A contract is just a piece of paper with a few boxes to check.
David had a deep relationship with his God. He didn’t view this relationship contractually. How do we know?
From the time I rescued the people of Israel from Egypt until now, I have never lived in a temple; I have traveled around living in a tent. 7 In all my traveling with the people of Israel I never asked any of the leaders that I appointed why they had not built me a temple made of cedar.’
2 Samuel 7:6-7 GNB
David wanted to do something for God. He was full of gratitude. His thoughts were driven by how he could expand God’s glory. In God’s own words, this was a rare trait. From the time of Moses until now, no leader had ever made this offer and God had not required it.
It makes me wonder… do I have this kind of attitude with God? Are my thoughts driven to expand His glory? Do I desire to serve Him out of gratitude?