2 Samuel 11 (part two)

The wisdom and creativity in leadership that God has gifted David with, is now used to concoct an increasingly desperate scheme to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. When David learns of Bathsheba's pregnancy, he brings her husband home from the front to sleep with her. Ironically, Uriah's commitment to David and the other troops lets him make the same principled stand that David had modeled in 1 Samuel 21: 4-5, and refuse to have sexual relations. 

Next, David tries to overcome Uriah's resistance by getting him drunk. When that still doesn't work, David plots with Joab to have him killed in battle...a plan that results not only in Uriah's death, but the lives of other loyal, innocent soldiers (v. 17). 

How complete is the self-deception of our hearts when we start down the path of sin!  A second look at a naked woman has now led to adultery, pregnancy, deception to cover it all up, and eventually murder and 'collateral damage'.  

Questions: 1) Reflect...where has God gifted you with talents and abilities? Are any of your areas of giftedness being used for things contrary to His purposes?