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JesusDid you ever have a friend who was caught in a harmful situation? It could have been an addiction, unhealthy relationship, dangerous lifestyle or unreasonable pursuit. It was clear to you that the friend was hurting himself (or herself). He needed to get away from that person, thing or idea. Yet the friend could not see it clearly. He was clouded by his own feelings, misled by wants and weaknesses. Maybe you tried to warn him because you cared. Instead of valuing your counsel, he was offended or even angered. In the end, the friend would have avoided further trouble if only he had listened. JesusThis case is familiar to God, because mankind is stuck in a terrible situation. His word (the Bible) declares that we all are sinners and exposes our sins. It informs us that we are powerless to change and warns of punishment. Thankfully, it also explains the one sure way to salvation and shows us how to live, that we may experience the fullness of His gift. Yet we rebel. “To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.” (Jeremiah 6:10) JesusLike the friend, natural man resents correction and is embittered by rebuke. This is called, “the offense of the cross” (Galatians 5:11). He claims to be “a good person” by pointing out “good things” he has done. Meanwhile he justifies, rationalizes and excuses his sins. He wants his own way. Therefore, he dismisses God and His Word instead of confessing and repenting. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) If only we would listen, we would avoid inevitable consequences. JesusThere is a key distinction between these two situations. Our well-meaning advice may be uninformed, misinformed, presumptuous, hypocritical and just plain wrong. In contrast, God’s judgment is perfect. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) God does not offer casual advice. He fathers us from His unique position of absolute authority, complete wisdom, pure holiness and unsearchable love. He has no hidden motives; He shepherds us for His glory and our good. Even when we don’t understand, He still is unquestionably trustworthy. Nevertheless, He allows us to choose between His best and our own desires.
105) Among other things, the Bible is a user’s manual for this life, written by the Author of life. Study His word to gain understanding. Learn and apply it to grow. As scripture reveals sin in your life, welcome the conviction as the diagnosis which precedes the healing treatment. The natural man resists God and serves his own pleasures, but the natural man perishes without hope. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." (Romans 13:13-14) |
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