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Human Desire Overrules Spiritual Need
In 1 Samuel 14:1-4, Samson comes to his parents, telling them he has found a wife among the “daughters of the Philistines.” Much to his parents’ dismay, they ask him if there is not a woman “among all my people,” rather than choose from among the Philistines. Samson responds by saying, “Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.”
Self-control is a supreme quality for any leader, but Samson has a sudden, impulsive, and unreasonable passion for a woman among a people who knew not God. His whole life pivots on this decision. It mean connection with the idolatrous and sensual life of the Philistines. The relatives on both sides would not agree. Moral principles would be compromised. There would be discord in raising children. There is a lesson all of us could learn here. It is a caution to all parents in the alliances they allow and encourage their children to make with others. Your child’s choice of a mate will come from among those with whom they associate most. That choice of a mate will influence them spiritually and relationally.
One thing to consider in this case is God’s purpose. God “sought an occasion against the Philistines.” By this seemingly ill-advised marriage, God would serve His purpose against the Philistines. His will would prevail as it always does. A more important lesson to learn is the impact of others on us and the influence we exert on others.
Can we not understand the benefits and the dangers posed by those with whom we associate? Several passages from Psalm 119:63 to Proverbs 13:20 to 1 Corinthians 15:33 to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 instruct us of the influence others can and do have on us. Not only their influence, but the implication is that our influence will be the same on them. It is not always when we are trying to impress others that we impress them the most. We (and others) are observed when we are not thinking about it. Others are not conscious of our observance of them, either. People are able to detect us as real or if there is a secret we are trying to conceal.
Therefore, we have a responsibility which must not be given to chance nor to self-confidence. These people with whom we associate become our mates, our co-workers, our neighbors, and our fellow members. We can subtly find ourselves compromising our pirnciples, excusing our beliefs, or forsaking our convictions. Do not ever think the influence of another will not cause you to exalt human desire over spiritual need!
The road to influence is the highway of duty and loyalty. Jesus displayed such a character that enabled Him to grow in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Let us then abide in Christ. “Abide in Me, and I in you: as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, so neither can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15:4). Allowing Jesus to influence us can help in determining what influence others have on us and what influence we have on others.
