INTRODUCTION
We’re a nation of do it yourselfer’s. We don’t like to ask for help. We hate to admit our weaknesses (despite James 5:16). We like to be in control. We’re dissatisfied when people don’t live up to our expectations, so often we just do it ourselves. Our frustrations can cause us to never ask for help, and to shut others out when it’s time to delegate. We can unknowingly become driven by arrogance, selfishness, judgmentalism, a compulsion for praise and satisfaction, and fear that everyone will just disappoint us.
It’s easy to develop the attitude, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” Though we might not explicitly say this in the church today, I struggle with this attitude – and maybe you do as well.
[ As with most statements made by men, there is a kernel of truth coupled to a big deception. Let’s start with ]
THE TRUTH – 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 (David had this attitude, and was ready to take action for God)
DESIRE EXCELLENCE
From David – David acknowledged that the work he had done for God wasn’t good enough. He wasn’t satisfied seeing his own house built up and glorious, while God’s dwelling was merely a tent. David would go on to say that, “… the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries.” (1 Chronicles 22:5).
From the NT – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” (Colossians 3:23).
“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, … But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;” (1 Thessalonians 4:9–10).
Application – God deserves and demands our best, and will not tolerate any part-time disciples. We can always improve on prayer, meditation, Bible study, spiritual focus, evangelism, and more. Can you honestly say that you’re on fire for the Lord, and that you’re giving Him your very best service?
EMBRACE RESPONSIBILITY
From David – David wasn’t looking for someone else to step in and take care of building God a house. He couldn’t even conceive of letting this task go undone, but viewed it as his responsibility. He stepped up and took action, but first consulted God (through Nathan) for permission to proceed.
From the NT – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
“Peter, seeing [John] (after asking who would betray), said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”” (John 21:20–22).
Application – When you see a work to be done, get involved! Even if the work is behind the scenes and no one will ever know about it, get to work and make a difference. Picking someone up, visiting a shut-in, welcoming a visitor, studying with a friend – there are so many good works that you can do!
PUT YOUR FAITH TO WORK
From David – David wasn’t waiting around! This was not some lofty goal that he was going to get really excited about, but then fizzle out later. He had made up his mind to get to work, and there was (almost) nothing that was going to stand in his way!
From the NT – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).
“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17).
Application – It’s easy to make lofty goals that we’ll never accomplish, but in our spiritual walk, our faith needs to motivate us to action! There’s no room in our lives for spiritual laziness, procrastination or self-deception. What better time do you have to work for the Lord than today?
[ Now let’s move onto the lie hiding in the phrase, If You Want Something Done Right, You Have To DIY ]
THE LIE – 1 Chronicles 17:3-4 (God said the job was Solomon’s); 1 Chronicles 22:6-16 (He charges Solomon)
YOU ARE NOT THE CHURCH ** ALONE **
From David – David quickly realized that he was not the only one responsible for working for God, despite his enthusiasm and excitement. Whereas David could have been angry or depressed that God didn’t choose him for the work, he, instead, did everything possible to encourage his son and make preparations for the work. He didn’t throw up his hands and give up, but he just refocussed his efforts on something different, preparation instead of building.
From the NT – “For in fact the body is not one member but many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14).
“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5).
Application – [An army of one] We’re not a church of one – we’re ALL the church! We all serve a function here, sometimes overlapping or duplicate functions. Let’s encourage each other to find a role to fill in this work, and let’s never think that “we’re the only one” for any job.
YOU ARE NOT THE STANDARD
From David – Who could you imagine would be more qualified to build a temple for God than David, a man after His own heart? I think this is why Nathan answered David so quickly the first time and completely skipped checking with God, because it was obvious that David was perfectly suited to this good work. Despite David’s qualifications, God did not want him to build His house … how humbling!
From the NT – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Gal 2:21).
Application – It’s easy to become boastful about your “wonderful work” and critical of everyone else. Rather, we need to be understanding and humble, acknowledging the accomplishments and talents of others. Just because you do your best doesn’t mean everyone has to live up to your standard!
YOU CAN EXTEND TRUST
From David – David had to trust in his young son to do this important work. “Now David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries …” So David made abundant preparations before his death.” (1 Chronicles 22:5). Interestingly David’s sons would not all prove very trustworthy, but despite this, he would still have to have confidence in Solomon to carry out this great work.
From the NT – “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2).
[Christ’s forgiveness of Peter] “He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” … And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:17).
Application – Where are our young people going to be in this congregation 20-30 years from now if we’re not preparing them for that work today? When they fall, we need to help them back up and extend our trust AGAIN, just like Jesus extended it to Peter. Let’s foster trustworthy young people.
CONCLUSION
Once David heard that he would not build the temple of God, he still held true to his initial goals:
He Desired Excellence – he compiled all the best materials and laborers for Solomon to use
He Embraced Responsibility – while he didn’t build, he took responsibility for all the preparation
His Faith Went to Work – he didn’t throw up his hands in frustration, but he embraced his new role
If You Want Something Done Right, You’ve Got To:
Be Humble – There’s a certain level of arrogance associated with thinking you’re the only one for the job.
Ask for Help – It’s an easy way to get burned out and frustrated when you’ve taken everything on yourself.
Let Go – Your controlling perfectionism is not going to excuse your unwillingness to involve others.
Be Trusting – You’re never going to know how well others can do until you give them a chance.
Be Understanding – People aren’t going to be “perfect” like you, and you should be ok with that.
Be Encouraging – You can help encourage a young and inexperienced brother to do great things for God!
