Session 25

Do you act before you think?

From 2 Samuel: A 5-Week Devotional

Have you ever done or said something before thinking about it? 

You can probably imagine a dozen instances when you wish you would have thought about the consequences before taking action. It usually doesn’t end well to act first and think later. 

As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to show us the difference between right and wrong. However, many of us often act before asking whether what we are about to do could have positive or negative effects.

In 2 Samuel 18, one of David’s men sees Absalom hanging from a tree. He immediately runs to Joab to tell him what happened. Joab rebukes the man saying, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there?”

The man who found Absalom considered David’s instructions, and after weighing the consequences decided not to kill Absalom. 

“I would not lay a hand on the king’s son,” he said. “...  if I had put my life in jeopardy—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have kept your distance from me.”

Joab, on the other hand, acted quickly. He killed Absalom, ignoring David’s instructions and his own soldier’s warning. 

Instead of rushing into an action, we should consider if what we are doing is right or wrong.

Like Joab, those about to do evil often don’t take the time to consider their actions. They don’t care whether what they are doing is lawful or right. 

Considering the outcome of our actions can stop us from doing something we’ll later regret. God has given us everything we need to make wise choices. The Holy Spirit and the Bible both exist to guide and direct us. But it’s up to us to pause long enough to consider if what we are doing is right or wrong.

Reflect:

• Where are you most prone to act without thinking? Why do you think that’s the case?
• What’s one way you can become more aware of the decisions you make?
• Are you spending time praying? What step can you take today to make prayer more of a priority in your life?