Do Something Good for God
Do Something Good for God
Daily Reflection: 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 — 11/24/2023
After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” — 1 Chronicles 17:1-2
“Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” We are not accustomed to hearing this in reference to God. We typically look for God to issue commands, “Go here, then there. Speak to this person. Stop this. Begin that.”
Always needing to be told what to do is a sign of immaturity, and a deflection of responsibility. At first it is necessary for development, but eventually the expectation is that one will come to know what is required and just do it. Furthermore, as any relationship further develops a knowledge of the kind of thing the other person would like should begin to settle in, even when it is unexpressed.
This is what happens as we progress in our relationship with God; we go from servant — which, in one sense, we will always be — to son or daughter, and friend of Christ. The servant always needs to be told; the mature child or friend acts from a wealth of interactive knowledge of what the other is like.
It was as friend of God that David set out to build a house for God. There was no command, no prophecy, just a desire to do good for his friend — God. Of course, David didn’t end up building this house for the Ark; his son Solomon did. But God was grateful; it was a biblical case of, “It’s the thought that counts.”
We can begin practicing this today. We can teach our thoughts to do something good for God. Ask yourself this question: What do I know about God that can animate me today without needing to be commanded?
Whatever comes into your mind, do it, for God is with you.
Almighty God, you have not left us to be in relation with you as servants in your house; but, through Jesus Christ, we have been adopted into your family. Thank you. Grant that we would learn to live as daughters and sons, growing into your likeness each and every day, as we spend time with you. By your grace, reveal more of yourself to us through your Spirit that indwells us. That our desires might be for those things that please you. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.