When we study a triumphant story like David and Goliath, the last thing we want to hear is that our hero, in the end did not win the good fight. In literature and theater, it’s called a tragedy. And it is indeed the heartbreaking reality of this cautionary tale (see 1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18 and 2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11).
As a youth David learned that God will fight our battles. In the wisdom of that lesson David grew to mighty stature in the eyes of God and his fellowmen. But for reasons worthy of study, King David fell from this high place.
Relative to “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” one of the lessons worthy of contemplation is that when God issues warnings, it isn’t hyperbolic. The reality is, there are consequences to sin. Ignoring that can bring a mighty fall.
“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.”
What is our personal and collective opportunity and responsibility to avoid these “calamities foretold”? David lost his spiritual power, are we collectively losing ours as a result of how we are treating matters of the family?
Are we protecting, growing, cherishing, defending, teaching, … loving the family?
Some tragedies in life are avoidable. Elder Bednar taught that the gift of discernment is an important spiritual gift for doing that. He said, “… for you and for me, discernment is a light of protection and direction in a world that grows increasingly dark.” He gives us a promise that as we seek and use the spirit of discernment, “we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost.”
And may, in fact, avoid and return from our own tragic tale.
art: SouthernPlainsPhotography