First Chronicles chapter 21. Someone is going to get hurt.
David was attacked by Satan and inspired to take a census of Israel. David gave orders to Joab to take the census but Joab warned David not to do it because it was an evil thought. But King David had him do it anyways. As a result there were consequences for David's sin before God. God sent a plague that killed 70,000 men. King David was full of remorse before the Lord and build an altar to the Lord with sacrifices. As a result the Lord took away the plague.
What I find is when we are tempted to do something, whether it be motivated out of pride or out of lack of trust, often God will send a warning to us that what we are about to do is wrong. The message could be from the Holy Spirit within us or from a person who approaches us. Either way, we need to take seriously the words that others say. When temptation comes, a warning also comes and when we don't listen to the warning there will be consequences to our actions. People are going to get hurt! Even when the sin is found out and we go before God for forgiveness, which we should do, it doesn't mean people are not going to get hurt. Whether it be our spouse or friends or fellow workers. After God removed the plague, King David had a renewed fear and respect for the Lord. That's good because it can keep us from making bad choices again, but Satan will try and beat us up so that we feel worthless or not worthy of being used by the Lord. We have to be careful so we don't let Satan beat us up and realize that God still loves us and still has a plan for our lives and still wants to use us to impact the lives of others.
David made a big mistake in this chapter. It made me think about how our decisions can have such an impact on the lives of others. Here are a couple of other Bible passages that I was reminded of.
James 1:12-15
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.