25/03/2025
Why Die Like a Fool, O Abner?...| The Subtle Tragedy of Naivety in Christianity
On March 16, 2024, Bishop Harrison Sakala delivered a powerful sermon that left me reflecting deeply. He unpacked the tragic story of Abner in 2 Samuel 3:1-38, a man of great strength and influence, yet one who died a foolish and unnecessary death.
David’s lament over him was piercing:
"Should Abner have died as a fool dies?" (2 Samuel 3:33).
Abner was not weak—he was a seasoned warrior, a leader, a man who commanded authority. Yet, he died, not in battle, but in a moment of carelessness, betrayal, and lack of discernment. His story is a stark warning, especially to Christians today.
How many believers, strong in faith and gifted with purpose, have perished spiritually, emotionally, and even physically because of naivety? How many have walked blindly into traps, abandoned their place of refuge, or underestimated the enemy?
Abner’s story is not just historical—it is a mirror for every Christian.
1. The Task is from the Lord, but the Tactic is Our Responsibility
God gives us purpose, but He expects us to act with wisdom. Abner had aligned himself with David, God’s chosen king, yet he failed to navigate his position wisely.
As Christians, we are called to walk in God’s will, but we must also apply wisdom in every decision. Just because something seems good does not mean it is safe. Just because a person speaks peace does not mean their heart is at peace with us.
2. Naivety is Costly
To be naïve is to lack wisdom, discernment, and discretion. Abner assumed that since he had made peace with David, all his enemies had done the same. He ignored the fact that Joab, whose brother Asahel had died at Abner’s hand, still harbored resentment.
As believers, assuming that just because we love God, life will be smooth is dangerous. Scripture tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Spiritual naivety can cost us our faith, our peace, our families, and even our lives.
3. Leaving the Place of Refuge is Dangerous
Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:1-8). As long as Abner remained there, he was safe. But he allowed himself to be lured outside, where he was vulnerable and unprotected.
For Christians, Hebron represents our fellowship with God. The moment we step away from prayer, the Word, and God’s presence, we expose ourselves to spiritual danger. Many believers fall, not because the enemy is too strong, but because they left their place of refuge.
How often do we walk away from God’s covering—out of carelessness, pride, or misplaced trust—only to realize too late that we have walked straight into an ambush?
4. Soldiers Do Not Die Easily—Unless They Are Unarmed
Abner was a warrior, yet he allowed himself to be caught unarmed. A soldier’s survival depends on his readiness.
As Christians, we are soldiers in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Yet, some of us have let go of our spiritual weapons—prayer, fasting, the Word of God. We underestimate the enemy, thinking, “I am strong enough.” But strength alone does not win battles—preparation does.
The moment a Christian walks unarmed, they become an easy target.
5. Not Every Friend is a Friend
Joab did not kill Abner on a battlefield—he pretended to have a peaceful conversation and then stabbed him.
Many Christians fall, not because of external enemies, but because of misplaced trust in people close to them. Not everyone in your circle has your best interests at heart. Some are waiting for a moment to betray, discourage, or mislead you.
"Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
Discernment is key. A true friend leads you closer to God, not away from Him.
6. Weep Before the Fact, Not After
David mourned deeply for Abner. But his tears could not bring him back.
Many times, we cry after the damage is done. After we have lost a loved one, after we have walked into sin, after we have suffered betrayal. But what if we learned to weep before the fact? What if we prayed before the marriage crumbled, before the wrong decision was made, before the friendship turned sour?
Spiritual sensitivity allows us to pray ahead of time, preventing unnecessary losses.
Final Thought _Should a Christian Die Like a Fool?
Abner was a great man, but he died foolishly—not because he was weak, but because he failed to be wise.
Many Christians today are walking blindly into enemy territory—trusting too easily, leaving their place of refuge, and walking unarmed.
The question remains:
"Should you die as a fool dies?"
The answer should be—Absolutely not.
Stay in Hebron—stay in God’s presence.
Stay armed—stay in prayer and the Word.
Stay discerning—not every opportunity is from God, and not every friend is loyal.
Stay wise—make decisions that protect your destiny.
Naivety is a silent killer in the Christian walk. Do not let it take you out.
