down for the count
"Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people, and said to the Lord: 'I have sinned grievously.' " —2 Samuel 24:10
David committed serious sin in his life. For example, he committed adultery and arranged for the husband of his mistress to be killed. One of David's worst sins was not so spectacular. Against God's will, David counted the number of men fit for military duty in Israel and Judah. This sin resulted in the deaths of 70,000 of King David's innocent people (2 Sm 24:15).
Counting can be a calling from God, but it can also be a sin. For example, counting the times we've been offended can be a sin against love (see 1 Cor 13:5). Counting money can be a sin of greed. Counting people in your church, ministry, or prayer group can be a sin of pride. Counting someone out may be a sin of unforgiveness or arrogance. Even counting our blessings can be a way of comparing ourselves to others.
When we were little children, someone taught us to count. But have we ever learned to count responsibly and not sinfully? Jesus is the divine Accountant. Let Him audit your books, and take over your life.
Prayer: Father, count me in on salvation, evangelization, and eternal happiness.
Promise: "He began to teach in the synagogue in a way that kept His large audience amazed." —Mk 6:2
Praise: Speaking from the cross upon which he was crucified, St. Paul Miki told the onlookers: "I tell you plainly: there is no way to be saved except the Christian way."
Reference: (As an encouragement to read the Bible daily, order any of these audio or video tapes: Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1, V-82, How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 18, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2001