Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
Most of us eagerly look forward to having some leisure time when we can relax and do those things that we just can't find the time to do, while attending to the everyday duties of life. And while it is good and appropriate to have ample seasons of rest and recreation, we must also be aware that excessive idle hours gives the devil opportunity to suggest evil thoughts to our minds, if we are not constantly guarded by the Holy Spirit and the word of God. There is a saying that goes "The devil finds work for idle hands to do", and this statement couldn't be more true, especially in our day and age, where evil suggestions beckon and call those whose minds are not stayed on God.
It was during one of these seasons of leisure, that David fell a prey to temptation. While he was preoccupied with the war against the Ammonites, his thoughts were centered on the battle, and all of his energies were geared towards winning, but when he returned to his palace, he obviously had some extra down-time, during which the devil was able to suggest to his mind, a preexisting sinful thought that had been planted and cultivated deep within David's conscience, which then sprung up and bore fruit in sinful actions, shame, and death. Let's read:
2nd Samuel 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
Many believe that David was overcome by a sudden temptation, and while this is true, we should also understand that the temptation itself was tailor-made by the devil to cater to a secret longing David had cherished in his heart for a number of years. It's very important for us to know that a Christian does not fall suddenly, and there are sinful propensities that often lie dormant within our souls for many years, only waiting for the opportune moment when we are unguarded, to break loose and cause havoc. This was actually the case with David who had long cherished and cultivated a love of many different women, as evidenced by the Biblical record pertaining to his love-life. Let's read:
1st Chronicles 3:1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: 2 The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: 3 The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife. 4 These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. 9 These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.
1st Chronicles 14:3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.
No Christian falls suddenly, but if there are powerful, sinful tendencies that remain unchecked and are not uprooted from our hearts, it's just a matter of time before the devil puts together the right circumstances to cater to our innermost cravings, which then induce the most likely response of succumbing to temptation. What is also worthy of note is that David was not at a strip club, nor was he visiting South beach when this incident occurred. He was at his home when this happened, and therefore this incident tells us that sin is not solely dependent on environment or circumstances perse, even though we are instructed to always avoid, satan's enchanted ground. The bible gives us the right perspective on the problem. Let's read:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The problem is internal, and therefore the remedy must be applied internally. There are many Christians who have run well for many years, who have been in good and regular standing as far as the records show. Very many have served in the Lord's vineyard, doing much good and winning many souls to Christ. Yet, like David, a sinful thought or desire is harbored deep within the recesses of their minds, and the devil watches, waits, and plans for the right moment when the dormant propensity could be activated and brought to life.
In our leisure hours he lurks, and with patient, deliberate, stealth and skill, he presents his enticements when we are most vulnerable, when we are not focused on Christ, and when our prayer life is in shambles.
In our day, there are many who have way too much spare time on their hands, and these hours become "Prime time" for temptation. God is not saying that being busy will give us the victory, but what He does say is that our connection to Jesus Christ must be kept intact at all times, through prayer and a study of His word, so that temptations, whether sudden or perceived from a distance, will have no adverse effects on us. The prayer of David should be our prayer so that we do not leave unchecked, any latent tendencies to sin in our souls. Let's read:
Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
May the Lord grant to each and every one of us, a humble enough spirit to pray this prayer, for none of us are invulnerable to the assaults of the wicked one, if we do not trust in God at all times. May God grant us His power and grace to live victoriously every day of our lives. God bless!