March 12, 2014 Divided Loyalty (3)
Wednesday March 12, 2014
See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. (Psalm 119:159-160 NLT)
When we begin to question the ways of God versus our own ways we are headed for a collision course. God’s ways are tried and true, not just in our generation, but from the beginning of time. When we differ with what God’s says we are wrong. When we start telling ourselves such things as, “Life around here is unfair”, we need to look at our own attitude. Sometimes the appearance of unfairness is in our hearts because we are not getting our own way.
Recurring sin results from hanging onto sin. Sometimes it is our own sin. Sometimes it is the sins of others that we deem unforgiveable. Little by little discontent drifts into our thoughts until it seems to fill them. We begin to see all the things that are wrong with others – what they get away with, how they treat us badly, what they said, the attitude they had, how demanding they are, how unwilling they are to really understand our point of view. This or that is unfair. The list is endless. If we are willing to honestly look at what is going on we would find that it is simply our own ungodly reaction to the situation.
The issue is our fear to face our own inner turmoil and our own character defects which are rooted in frustration and discontent. The Bible says, You gain a lot when you live a godly life. But you must be happy with what you have. (1 Timothy 6:6 NIRV)
The issue is our fear to face our own inner turmoil and our own character defects which are rooted in frustration and discontent. The Bible says, You gain a lot when you live a godly life. But you must be happy with what you have. (1 Timothy 6:6 NIRV)
It is only God who gives us life. It is only God to whom we must give an account for our life. All other relationships need to be second to our relationship with God. To avoid drifting into our old way of life will require that we try not to figure out what is wrong in our relationship with anyone until we have identified and been obedient to what God is saying to us at this time. O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NLT) Obedience to God’s instructions, to do what is right, to give and receive mercy, and to walk humbly with your God is the simple formula for success in life.
We need to choose what is right in God’s eyes. Our first responsibility is to follow God’s direction for living life to the full. When our thoughts and God’s words differ, we need to change our thoughts, rather than trying to bend God’s principles to fit our circumstances. God knows what will heal, satisfy and give us true inner contentment. We don’t. How many times do we need to fail before we get the message that our own way does not work and God’s way does? God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. (Psalm 18:30 NLT)
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