TOPIC: THE DANGER OF SELF-RELIANCE ONLY  

TEXT: 1 Samuel 13:5-14

KEY VERSE:  I thought to myself, ‘The Philistines will come here and attack me at Gilgal, and I haven’t asked the Lord to help us yet.’ So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 13:12 (ERV)

God created man in His image so that man can think, create, and find solutions to problems, but not independent of God’s will. Saul had been chosen as king over Israel, and as he faced battle against the Philistines, the prophet Samuel asked him to wait for him to come and offer the sacrifice to God for Israel before going to battle. Another problem arose as his soldiers began to abandon him, and Samuel had not yet come. Saul thought he could solve the problem by offering the sacrifice he was not authorised to do. This action cost him the throne. Whenever we face any problem, it’s necessary to seek God’s opinion on how to solve the problem, as modelled by David, and not rely only on our human wisdom or abilities.

Then David prayed to the Lord. “Should I chase the people who took our families? Will I catch them?” The Lord answered, “Chase them. You will catch them, and you will save your families.” 1 Samuel 30:8(ERV)

Sometimes, during interpersonal conflicts, it’s natural to withdraw and cut off the individual(s) perceived to be a threat to our peace or progress. We avoid conversations that could lead to the resolution of the conflicts and prefer separation. Jesus provides a pattern for conflict resolution in the Bible that produces peace and harmony. Also, withdrawal from others in a season of pain because we think we alone can solve our problems leaves us lonely and sad. Trust God to help us in such seasons, and he often uses people.

There are situations when it is wise to leave a place to avoid escalating the problems, but it should align with God’s will. Abraham allowed Lot to choose first and leave him, for peace to reign. He gave up his rights to keep the peace. ( Genesis 13:5-18)

So Abram said to Lot, “There should be no arguing between you and me or between your people and my people. We are all brothers. Genesis 13:8 (ERV)

Reflection Questions

1. What principle about conflict resolution do we find in Matthew 18:15-17
2. What does Proverbs 3:5-6 teach about relying on ourselves alone to solve our problems?
3. How is David a good example of not solving our problems by human effort alone?
4. What action can you take today to return to relying on God?