In these chapters we are reading again about how David became king, and also about his mighty men.
I thought it was interesting in 1 Chron. 12:2 where, describing some of the men who helped David become king, it says that they could efficiently use BOTH their right hand and their left hand.
The Bible says, "They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin." In other words, they were fighting quite effectively with BOTH hands.
This may seem a bit inconsequential, but since the Bible emphasizes it, I think it's significant. And obviously, by the emphasis on this talent, it was NOT something that everyone could do. And it's not something that everyone can do today. In general, people are either right handed or left handed....they aren't equally good with both hands.
However, I've heard it said that those that are stronger in the right hand tend to be stronger with "left-brain" characteristics, and I've also heard it said that only "left-hand" people are in their right mind. (Of course that's a joke!)
Anyway....For example, a person who is "left-brained" (or right handed) is often said to be more logical, analytical, and objective. While a person who is "right-brained" (left handed) is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective. Whether this is myth or reality (I'm not sure), but as I was reading the verse above in today's Bible passage, it made me think about how much more effective we would be as God's people if we would be balanced Christians using all that God has given us efficiently. In other words, we need to fight our spiritual warfare not just with our right hands or our logic... but we need to also fight this spiritual warfare with our left hand and with our thoughtful, initiative love and compassion which can only come from God ... In other words... I believe God is calling us (as these men who fought for David so long ago) to be balanced Christians. Balanced in our thinking, our working, our living, and even in fighting the spiritual battles. So often, we are a people of extremes... only strong in one area, but sadly weak in others. But what might God do, if we threw our whole might into the work for His glory, using a balanced set of strengths to reach the world.... serving the Lord with both our hands and ALL our heart! :-)
[Personal note: After an extremely busy month+ of traveling and ministry, and a very exhausting week here in California, I'm extremely tired... and right now my mind is a bit fuzzy, so hopefully the above makes sense. I'm probably not using both hands right now as efficiently as I should. But I hope my intended meaning in sharing comes across for those that read....]
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Chron. 15-16 and 2 Cor. 13
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