“And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:8 KJV)
Why did this saying bother Saul so? Have you ever had a visit with your doctor where he or she has found something that requires further investigation? You may not be all that interested in spending more time in yet another doctor’s office, more insurance paperwork, and taking even more time off of work, but somehow you see the value in “just getting it checked out”. If all the people in Israel that would be effected by the transition from Saul to David could have recognized that comment and sought the Lord in prayer immediately, would it have caused less pain? Sometimes it may be irritations just like this that are there to alert you to something else.
One of the challenges of recognizing a heart problem that will eventually corrupt the mind, is that we want to make them aware of it so that they (not us) can deal with it. However, part of giving an early diagnosis is offering the cure personally. It may take personal effort in everything from mentoring to rehabilitation. If God gives the kingdoms of the world to whom he chooses (see Daniel 4:25), then part of recognizing a heart problem is recognizing a kingdom opportunity. An opportunity for God’s kingdom to use your time, talents, and resources to help apply the cure. The interesting thing is that as we step in to help out, we learn a thing or two about the cure too.
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:20-21 KJV)