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. Nonetheless, 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: "I said, 'I confess my faults to the Lord,' and You took away the guilt of my sin." —Ps 32:5
Praise: Of St. John Bosco Pope Pius XI said, "In his life the supernatural became natural and the extraordinary the ordinary."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Mission Impossible or our audio tape AV 46-1 or video V-46.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2017
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.