Joab rushed to the king and demanded, “What have you done? What do you mean by letting Abner get away? You know perfectly well that he came to spy on you and find out everything you’re doing!” Joab then left David and sent messengers to catch up with Abner, asking him to return. They found him at the well of Sirah and brought him back, though David knew nothing about it. When Abner arrived back at Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gateway as if to speak with him privately. But then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge for killing his brother Asahel. [2 Samuel 3.24-27]
God knows what is really in the hearts of men.
Even though Joab accused Abner of spying on David, Joab's rage was really because Abner had killed his brother Asahel.
I am going to make some conjecture here, but I think it is highly accurate.
Many times, we convince ourselves and others around us that our actions are for one particular reason when, in fact, they are for another.
In more clear wording, we convince people we are concerned for them but our true motives are purely selfish!
This problem is evident is almost every segment of society. Our minds most usually recognize this problem in politics, but it is evident all the way down to personal and even familial relationships.
Perhaps our selfishness does not lie to a king and take the life of another, but selfishness is a stench in God's nostrils at any level.
There is much to be said for Jesus' sacrificial death on our behalf. The love of God is truly "other-focused" - not selfish.
Father, help us.
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