Pride, Sandwiched With Humility

We should be on alert for displays of pride in our lives. #daybydaylw Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!     ~~~   In order for us to get a grasp on what is going on in 2 Samuel 2, we need to have an idea of the unfolding plot line that takes place over the next few chapters. We will note that chapters four and five have similar events as did the opening chapters of 2 Samuel. In both of these sections (1-2, 4-5), someone comes to David with remnants from the prevailing king of Israel, hoping to buy a position in David’s army and kingdom. In chapter 1, an Amalekite comes to David with Saul’s crown and armband, proving King Saul is dead, and hoping this will impress David. In chapter 4, two men execute Ish-bosheth, and bring to David Ish-bosheth’s head, (proving his death!) hoping this will impress David. In both cases, those bringing those “gifts" are executed for their treachery, David mourns, and then an anointing takes place. So in those circumstances, we are seeing David’s humility in that he is not willing to ascend the throne of Israel in a way that is compromising or underhanded, displaying he humility that is to be within the kingdom of God. Now sandwiched in between those events, we have three large sections dealing with a man named Abner, Saul’s former commander of the army. And in each of these 3 major scenes, we see Abner’s pride on display towards the kingdom of God. And we need to ask the question of ourselves, is pride on display in my life? In what way might pride be on display in my life? Why is pride on display? What is that I want so bad that I am willing exalt myself over others?