Process and Product / David Jeremiah

 

Process and Product So they brought the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:17   We often hear people say, “The end justifies the means.” In other words, it’s okay to do something dishonorable, if necessary, in order to achieve something honorable. But that is not a biblical perspective. God is as concerned about the process as much as the product.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 5:22-23

Early in King David’s career, he learned this lesson the hard way. He was moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. But he failed to follow God’s instructions on how to transport the Ark. A man died as a result, and the Ark’s movement was delayed for three months. There is a lesson there: God cares about how we serve Him as much as He cares about what we accomplish. For example, not only are we to speak the truth, but we are also to speak the truth “in love” (Ephesians 4:15). We are to defend the faith but with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). Do God’s work today—yes! But do it God’s way so He is free to bless and honor it.   God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply. Hudson Taylor