Life as a River
"When Counting is Wrong"
Part 2

"When Counting is Wrong."
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TODAY - PART 2
David was undoubtedly the greatest king who ever reigned in Israel. His exploits before and during his reign are legendary. Towards the end of his reign, Satan appeals to David’s pride enticing him to take a census to find out how many able-bodied men he has available for his army. In demanding this count, David demonstrates three prideful mistakes that cause both David and Israel to endure a terrible tragedy.
So, what can we learn from this great counting tragedy? I think the lesson for us is quite profound.
When it is Done to Measure
How Secure We Are
It was fascinating to watch how he handled his plummeting account when the market most recently crashed and how troubled he was watching his funds evaporating before his very eyes. Now that the account balance has come back, he is again much more relaxed, feeling secure he is again going to be able to “make it” with what he has accumulated.
My other friend saw his retirement account as a stumbling block to him fully trusting in Christ for his and his family’s future. He found himself placing his security in the “things of earth” and not in the Provider of those good things. So, in response to this spiritual self-realization, this friend chose to liquidate his retirement account and give all the money away, so he could be better positioned to learn to trust God for his and his family’s future – looking first to Him for their “daily bread.
”In an earthly economy, my latter friend was just plain foolish. But in God’s economy, I would suggest he might have actually been the wiser of the two. He had learned that the less he had to count, the less he had to worry about losing and the more he needed to trust in God and not in mammon (riches).
Many seek financial independence so they won’t be forced to depend on God. Those seeking financial freedom, on the other hand, are seeking freedom from finding security in their material things. Think about it. Is your planning motivation financial independence or financial freedom?
David counted his men to gain a greater sense of self-security. We can easily find ourselves counting our “stuff” for the very same reason. And when we are motivated to count in order to gain a greater sense of self-security, our counting will be wrong."

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