I recall a time or three when I thought I was bigger than I was. Though a decent kid, trying to be ‘smart’, get attention, or prove I was one of the ‘gang’ did not go well for me.
I discovered consequences at home or at school for inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour. “Funny thing – word always seemed to get back home before I did.”
Reading the Bible book of Revelation recently, I was shocked with the arrogant response to God’s just action. Chapter 16 records that they, “cursed the God of Heaven…they refused to repent of (turn from) what they had done.”
Persistently ignoring and rejecting God’s love and salvation, the wicked now scoffed His righteous justice. Even while suffering for rebellion, they lashed out in intense anger. They felt ENTITLED, “Who do you think you are, God!?” They stubbornly refused allegiance to the Living God.
Every news cast reveals that these attitudes are intensifying. God predicted this:
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness, but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
God then adds, “Have nothing to do with them.” This means that, while we love people, we must plan to avoid being swept into the current of our deteriorating culture.
We need to, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This daily aligning of our thoughts and attitudes with those of God enables us to live without succumbing to the evil under-current.
Christ- followers grieve in seeing moral deterioration in precious lives. Being acutely aware of our own natural tendencies, we seek God’s help to be like Jesus – holy and true.
I find myself praying Scripture statements:
- “Guard my heart, Lord, for it is the wellspring of life.”
- “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.”
- “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
- “Give me a hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
- “Help me, as Jesus, to love righteousness and hate wickedness.”
When we ignore God, not listening to His word, nor believing Him, but continuing on our way, we believe we are bigger than Him. Though we cry for justice, we will question His righteous justice toward us, “Who do you think you are, God!?”
Pray with me, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! [TODAY]” Psalm 139:23, 24
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris