1 Samuel 26:21-23 “Then Saul said, ‘I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.’ ‘Here is the king’s spear,’ David answered, ‘Let one of your young men come over and get it. The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.”
A fleeing David passed up an opportunity to kill Saul. He captured the sword and a water bottle from the sleeping king, then called back to him when he reached a safe position. David had passed up the same opportunity once before, but Saul continued to pursue David. David knew the true King. David believed in his guaranteed destiny to become King of Israel from God through Samuel. David knew right from wrong about authority. He also knew about King Saul’s temperament and all the circumstances back at kingdom headquarters. He refused what looked like a genuine offer. At this stage David was pursued, poor, poorly equipped, and greatly outnumbered by Saul’s army. All these circumstances added up to many good reasons to say “yes” to Saul’s offer, but he refused.
Principle: In critical decisions, follow Bible principles plus clear thinking.
Do not make critical business decisions based on circumstances only. If there is a Biblical reason to say “no” to a “golden” opportunity, say “no.” Thank you, but no. Consider the source and the motivation behind the offer. In your mind, play out the negative consequences for “taking the bait.” Think through the long-range consequences of the opportunity. Does the opportunity match your God given desires, current or long buried? If not, why do you want to clutter up your life with something which does not match your passion?
What could go wrong if you accepted the opportunity, and it turned out to be a big mistake? How would it impact your staff, the direction of the company or your own career? Does the opportunity match the vision, values and mission or your company or your work?
Get advice of Godly counselors including your wife and family and take their advice even it if is a “no.”
If all the signs are “go” and there is no moral (biblical) reason not to – go into it step-by-step. Hurried circumstances are suspect.
Discussion:
1. Describe an opportunity that seemed on the surface to have lots of benefits but turned out to be wrong for you.
