Today’s Bible reading is 1 Chronicles 17 and 1 Corinthians 3.
In 1 Chronicles 17, King David had an idea.
“Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.” (17:1)
Nathan the prophet offered support and affirmation.
“Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” (17:2)
But notice that David’s idea plus Nathan’s support didn’t equal a green light from God.
That same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in. For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling. In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”‘” (17:3-6)
There’s an important principle here we need to understand and remember:
MY GOOD IDEA + SOMEONE ELSE’S SUPPORT ≠ GOD’S APPROVAL
So how can we act with confident expectation of God’s approval? The key is right there in his question: “Did I speak a word?” If he did, let’s enthusiastically serve in accordance with what he said. If he didn’t, maybe my good idea isn’t such a good idea, even if someone says, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”