S) "2 David took the crown of their king from his head, and he found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there was a precious stone in it; and it was placed on David’s head. And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount."
1 Chronicles 20:2 (NASB)
O) It's worth noting that, in v.1, it's explained that David stayed in Jerusalem at this time, when kings normally go out to war. It's noteworthy because of the trouble it caused him with Bathsheba, but also because it sets the tone for this verse. He has gotten himself to a place where other people are doing the dirty work. It's important to see warfare this way, too, since David's life of violence was keeping him from God in various ways, and he knew it. But here, this verse is an expression of taking credit for work not his own. Joab had gone out and captured this city, essentially winning this battle, and yet it is David who where's this prize of the enemy's crown (see also, 2 Samuel 12:26-30).
A) It is human (i.e. sinful) nature to want to take credit for things I didn't do directly. Even indirect credit is pretty tempting to claim. It's a funny joke for someone to compliment my wife's cooking, and for me to say, "Thank you," followed by a, "one flesh," wink, and a gun. But really, it's born of a lethal combination of laziness and greed. The solution is to submit to God in obedience, and to choose contentment.
P) Father, I don't want to take credit for the work of other people; I don't want to desire that credit, either. Humble my heart to be content with where I am in my life. Help me see that the money I make is plenty, and that the things I have are already are more than enough. I don't want to live a life chasing temporal things. Remind me of the truly valuable, eternal things. Continue to draw out righteous character in me, that embraces hard work, especially in obedience to You, Father. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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