David's Census: Taking Pride in One's Achievements

I posted previously about David's affair with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband. In that story, David's sins are obvious.

But turning to 2 Samuel 24, we find David sinning again in ways that are less obvious. In that chapter, God commands David to conduct a census. (In 1 Chronicles 21, it is Satan, presumably under God's command, who orders the census.) For reasons that aren't clearly stated, God then becomes angry with David. Why?

I suspect that David's sin was not the census itself, but rather David's attitude toward the census. David likely took great enjoyment in conducting a formal measurement of the extent of his power. Wouldn't we all! But David's achievements were not due to his own cleverness or abilities. Rather, he had humble faith in God, and, therefore, everything in his possession came from God. By taking pride in his earthly achievements, David sinned against God.

Are we guilty of similar sins? Do we count our achievements and attribute those to our own hard work and/or intelligence? If so, we're falling into the same trap as David. Yes, some careers require maintaining up-to-date resumes listing accomplishments and/or awards, but if you have such a career, recognize that those achievements are blessings from God, not trophies representing your cleverness.

To David's credit, he realized his sin and humbled himself before God, 2 Samuel 24:10 (ESV),

But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly."

Simply put, don't take pride in earthly achievements. Like Solomon wrote, they are vanity. Rather, in everything, give thanks to God.