1 Chronicles 13:8-12 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

I remember this telling whenever I see a brother speak about our God with irreverence. The example set before me is that God does not need me to defend Him.

The oxen that stumbled is the man that was irreverent. If I reach out to defend God I act like Uzza. It is not my place to react out of disgust or disappointment. God is fully capable of defending Himself. This is not the enemy, this man is in our midst, a brother in the Lord. As much as it bothered me I have to remember this man belongs to the Lord.

Uzza’s act was human instinct. It was emotional, not spiritual. It is not easy to restrain emotions but when we are in the presence of the body of Christ, how we react speaks more harm to the rest of the body than this man’s irreverence. People need to be reassured that I will not jump down their throats for a slight or a mistake. The bond of peace in fellowship is my first responsibility.

If the Lord needs me to do anything further, it will come in my quiet time, not when I am upset.