READ: 2 Samuel 5:17-25
“And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up…” – 2 Samuel 5:19
There are a number of reasons why we prefer the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to the true will of God.
Following the will of God involves humility. Many times, we will have to swallow our own words in order to do the true will of God. Many times, we would have to admit that we’ve been wrong about something in order to follow the will of God. There are times it is very humiliating to make a u-turn and embrace what you have insulted and ridiculed for years. As usual, pride is the stumbling block to receiving the gift of God. Many people have ridiculed churches or pastors, which they now belong to or listen to regularly. It took humility to accept what God was doing.
Following the tree of the knowledge of good and evil gives a sense of independence from God. The prideful and evil nature of man loves to be independent from God. We want to take decisions on our own and be free from the need to have to consult anyone.
King David however loved to inquire of the Lord and consult with Him constantly. That is why he was a man after God’s own heart. God loved David because David kept coming to Him. Wouldn’t you love to work with someone who keeps coming to you and never develops an air of independence and pride? How painful it is to meet these prideful and independent individuals whom you trained and raised up but who try hard to erase any remembrance of your input into their lives.