CAUGHT BY PRIDE
II Samuel 18:6-7a, 9
"So the people [David's followers] went out into the field of battle against Israel [Absalom's followers] .... The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David .... Then Absalom met the servants of David. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great terebinth tree, and his head caught in the terebinth; so he was left hanging between heaven and earth. And the mule which was under him went on."
The text does not specifically say that Absalom's hair caught in the tree branches, but that has been traditionally surmised. Absalom let his hair grow long (II Samuel 14:26), and it was a source of pride to him. It was his area of pride that finally caught him. It is often the thing that I am proud of that catches me and causes my downfall, rather than my weakness. When I recognize my weakness, I put up extra precautions and barriers of protection. But in areas of pride where I think I am strong, I don't place as many safeguards because I am confident I will not fall. So the Bible warns us, "Therefore he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12). It pays to be extra attentive in areas where I am proud of my strengths, lest they catch me and become my downfall.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It is often my strengths rather than my weaknesses that cause catch me and cause me to fail.
[end]
Have an attentive day. Love you.
II Samuel 18:6-7a, 9
"So the people [David's followers] went out into the field of battle against Israel [Absalom's followers] .... The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David .... Then Absalom met the servants of David. Absalom rode on a mule. The mule went under the thick boughs of a great terebinth tree, and his head caught in the terebinth; so he was left hanging between heaven and earth. And the mule which was under him went on."
The text does not specifically say that Absalom's hair caught in the tree branches, but that has been traditionally surmised. Absalom let his hair grow long (II Samuel 14:26), and it was a source of pride to him. It was his area of pride that finally caught him. It is often the thing that I am proud of that catches me and causes my downfall, rather than my weakness. When I recognize my weakness, I put up extra precautions and barriers of protection. But in areas of pride where I think I am strong, I don't place as many safeguards because I am confident I will not fall. So the Bible warns us, "Therefore he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12). It pays to be extra attentive in areas where I am proud of my strengths, lest they catch me and become my downfall.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It is often my strengths rather than my weaknesses that cause catch me and cause me to fail.
[end]
Have an attentive day. Love you.
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