712) When you see someone else make horrible, and even evil decisions, it’s easy to think, I’ll never do that! History testifies that making the choices such as being irresponsible, a cheater, a conspirator and/or murderer are only one step in the wrong direction away. The problem with these decisions is that they rarely start out as deviating from the wrong path in big steps; instead, they are usually in a series of small choices/steps that lead further and further away from righteousness – the act of doing right.

In 2 Samuel 11, we read of a dark, sad betrayal; choices of someone whom God called righteous. How is this possible? It’s possible because ultimate actions, good or bad, start with one step at a time. This man, David, makes seven horrible choices. 1. He stayed home when he should have gone to battle. 2. He saw Bathsheba bathing and continued to watch. 3. He asks about her when it was none of his business. 4. He brought her to his house. 5. He sleeps with her. 6. When he learns of her pregnancy, he tries to cover it up. 7. He murders Bathsheba’s husband and takes her as his own.

If this is the end of the story, it would be just another example of something horrible that someone has done. Yet when God, through Nathan, confronts David, David admits he was wrong and repents, though this does not help him avoid the consequences of his actions. What is even more amazing is that God forgives David of these wicked choices, so much so that He calls David, A man reflecting God’s heart. On top of this, David and Bathsheba later conceive a son who becomes king of Israel and a man who is in the bloodline of Jesus, the Savior. It’s so amazing, this thing called grace. God forgives, and we can make better choices. Amazing!