Taking responsibility is one of the major steps toward spiritual maturity. We must be willing to accept responsibility for doing what needs to be done and accept responsibility when things do not go as they should. One of the hardest things to do is to step forward and show a willingness to be active in the work of the church. It is a great responsibility that few ever consider. Taking responsibility is hard because it opens you up to have to take blame, but a willingness to accept both burdens is part of what spiritual maturity is all about (1 Corinthians 15:58).

This individual was from a nation that was hostile to Israel, yet he expected to receive a reward for his claim. He had not even actually done what he claimed, but he wanted David to reward him. The unexpected problem that he soon faced must have caught him by surprise. The question that David posed was one of great power: “How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 1:14). The motives of this man were surely self-serving, yet they benefited David as well. David, however, was concerned with the attitude toward God that this man had exhibited and called him into question because of his actions. There are so many today who claim to worship and follow Christ while adjusting this worship to suit their own self-serving motives. People throughout the world attempt to justify their actions through “sincerity” or “blissful ignorance.” But there is no excuse for failing to respect God’s authority.

This man went to David feeling that he would be rewarded greatly but was killed because he showed no respect for God’s authority. We should learn from this that feelings are not the measure of our reward. We must know how the Ruler will react before we dash in, doing that which does not please Him. Thus saith the Lord, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). This is a perfect description of those who think they can go to heaven with the same attitude of this foolish Amalekite. God has clearly taught us what he requires. Why do we feel that we can ignore his wishes and still be OK? Paul persecuted the church, yet he did it with a good conscience (Acts 23:1). Do we think that we are somehow special so that our feelings or expectations somehow make up for our disobedience? If we do not recognize that our feelings cannot save us, then we will face the same fate as the Amalekite when David commanded one of his soldiers, “Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying I have slain the Lord’s anointed” (2 Samuel 1:16). God has extended his grace by sending Christ to this earth to die for our sins (John 3:16). If anyone refuses to live by His commands then surely he will be told, “Thy blood be upon thy head.” We often take a very nonchalant approach to life. Instead, we should seriously question each and every action, word and thought in order to verify that it shows respect for God. Otherwise, how can you be sure of your reward?