Sampson functioned as if his gifts and abilities would cover his untamed passions. Yet, his untamed passions limited him to successful moments verses a successful life. Live for the life, not the moment (1). Sampson was dedicated to the service of the Lord from his birth and this dedication came with gifts and responsibilities.
All humanity are born with abilities and talents. Some have physical abilities. Others have cognitive or intellectual abilities. Their are many that have leadership, organizational, and logistical acumen. We are all born with something to offer others whom we walk along side. Sampson did not fail at his talents, gifts, and abilities. In fact, he was great and masterful with them. However, he failed at mastering and taming his heart and his passions.
Sampson was not suppose to consume strong drink, come in contact with dead carcasses (2), entertain the women of his nation’s enemy (3), and more importantly, to not cut his hair (16:17). Sampson believed that his abilities would cover his untamed passions. He did not have the discipline that he needed to create a successful life. However, he was able to generate a few successful moments.
Many men and women are living from moment to moment. They have successful moments. They look good on stages. They look good on social media. They are mastering abilities, talents, and gifts. However, they are not taming the storms of their heart and mind. They are not taming their passions and desires. They are public success but private failures. They are failing at being human. They are failing at being husbands and wives; fathers and mothers; sons and daughters; employers and employees; and friends and family.
They are mastering moments but failing at life.
Live for the life, not the moments.
- Judges 13-16
- Judges 14:8-9
- Judges 14:1; 16:1,4
- Judges 16:17
The Bell Reader 