Tag Archives: Disobedience

When God Gives You a Warning (Part 2) – Consequences of Ignoring a Warning

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

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If you have ever taken the moment to conduct self-reflection, you may have pondered the many aspects of your life that involved a bad decision and its outcome. Perhaps someone warned you not to do or even say something that would ultimately be to your detriment. In haste and blatant defiance, you do the very opposite of what someone suggested that you don’t.

During your period of reflection, you may feel a sense of regret over your life’s choices. All of us can attest to a time in which we were warned not to do something and yet, in our own pride we bypassed a word of wisdom and reason. The consequences of doing so usually meant an unpleasant experience or even a negative impact relating to your life as a whole.

The fact is that when we are warned of a matter and we ignore a heed to avoid a calamity, there will always be a negative consequence. Some believe that by taking a risk and sticking to what is believed to be the best route, that nothing bad will happen. However, more often than not, the decision to ignore a warning results in the reception of a calamity.

In the book of Jeremiah chapter 25, we can see that the prophet Jeremiah is once again speaking to the people of Judah. As mentioned in the previous blog post, Jeremiah along with other prophets had been tasked with telling the nation of Judah to repent and turn from their sinful ways. As the scripture says in verse 4, the prophets who were assigned to relay God’s message, did so over and over again.

In verses 4-6, Jeremiah tells the people of Judah that they have essentially ignored the many messages that were given by the prophets. However, the consequences of such ignorance is displayed in the next few verses of chapter 25.

Verses 7-9:

(NLT) ““But you would not listen to me,” says the Lord. “You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer. And now the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Because you have not listened to me, I will gather together all the armies of the north under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, whom I have appointed as my deputy. I will bring them all against this land and its people and against the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy you and make you an object of horror and contempt and a ruin forever.”

In the above verses, God’s message to the people of Judah is clear in that, because of their disobedience, their land would be utterly destroyed. The people of Judah had committed many forms of idolatry in addition to living in rebellion. Essentially, the fate that the nation of Judah suffered was that of destruction at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar’s military which later resulted in the people of Judah being held captive by the Babylonians for 70 years according to verse 11.

The point is that, the people of Judah not only ignored the many warnings that God had given, but they eventually experienced negative repercussions as a result of it. Whenever God sends a person to warn or relay His message, those who do not obey will always suffer from negative consequences.

This is why our global society is constantly in a state of confusion and degradation. It is because of the rebelliousness and sinful ways of humanity that our world groans. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that we could be saved from condemnation. In addition to this, God has a standard of Holy living which is predicated upon our obedience unto Him.

When we are obedient and we choose to reject our sinful nature, we are then in the safety of God’s parameters. Satan does not want those who are in sin to understand that wickedness contributes to being in a place of vulnerability. When you are outside of the will of God, you are then open to anything that can and will happen. However, when your life is submitted unto God in obedience, you are no longer vulnerable but you are held in God’s safety.

To ignore a warning is not only unwise but it is allowing your human pride to lead the way to destruction. In our sinful nature, we are all prideful. Pride is what signifies self-sufficiency. It is the mentality that one knows best. Secular humanism does not give credence to God nor does it honor Him. Instead, the secular humanist believes that we as humans are our own god.

However, when a person adheres to this philosophy, the warnings that God gives to us daily are ignored and eventually it leads to a destructive end. Just like the people of Judah were held captive by the Babylonians and also destroyed, the world around us today is showing the same signs of destruction and captivity.

One example of captivity has to do with the growing issue of drug abuse. In America, and even around the world, there is a growing number of cases in which drugs are openly used and abused. Those who fall in that category are captive to the demonic force which satan has deployed. Despite all of the calls for strict drug laws and a reformation of our world system, the fact is that without God, we as humans are left in captivity.

As far as destruction is concerned, we can see the very element of our family structure being destroyed daily. It is because of the choice to embrace homosexuality and even ‘changing your gender’ that we are continuing to see a decline in God’s original order. Even heterosexual couples are seeing the negative effects of divorce for a myriad of reasons.

However, the key is that many warnings have been given over time for humanity to repent and turn back to God. Many prophets, evangelists, and pastors have given God’s Word to the masses for decades. Yet, many choose to ignore the Word of the Lord. With such ignorance, there are consequences. The violence and the eruption of chaos we see is directly tied to the rebellion and choice to ignore God’s warnings.

What is the solution to all of this? The solution is to adhere to God’s warnings by submitting yourself to Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, God has made a way for you to escape His wrath. God wants to have fellowship with you through Christ, but it can only occur when you have accepted Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Then you must repent of your sins and turn from your wickedness.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must also be aware that we are not immune to God’s judgment. God desires that we too are obedient and heed His warnings. God loves humanity, because if He did not, then we would not be warned before a looming disaster. Those who are wise and those who are willing will accept God’s warning and turn to Him in repentance.

Day and Night – Recognizing the Difference Between the Two

24 Thursday Sep 2015

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DayNightAll of us have been blessed to have the gift of life. While not everyone will pass away at the same exact time period, the one thing we all have in common is that we each have 24 hours a day that God has given to us. In such a time period, there are at least two distinctions that we all use to determine how much time has passed. The first distinction is that of the ‘daytime.’ Daytime or daylight symbolizes light and even movement. To see the light of day is to experience illumination.

While the hour of morning generally begins at 12:00 am, daybreak is usually understood to take place when the sun begins to rise and darkness begins to recede. Thus, the end of the night is declared which means the beginning of the dawn. Then there is also of course the distinction of the ‘night time’ or ‘dusk.’ The night time period represents darkness and for many a time of rest or seclusion from the world. It is usually a time in which you are unable to see because of the darkness that surrounds you.

Spiritually speaking, there is also such a distinction between light and darkness. The Apostle Paul assists us in the illustration by using the phrases ‘children of the light’ and ‘children of the day.’ This reference can be found in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 in verse 5 in which he says the following:

(ESV) “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness”

In chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica. He urges Christians in that church to be watchful for the Lord’s return. Paul does so in the manner of reminding those who are in Christ that they are not in darkness, but that we in Christ are children of the light or children of the day. Why does Paul use both of those phrases concerning Christians?

To be a child of the day or a child of the light, it means that there is a sense of illumination and even a distinction. Paul continues in that verse when he says that we are not of the night or the darkness. This is a declaration to those who are in Christ that there is a separation between those in Christ and those who are in sin. Children of the day are individuals who have allowed Jesus Christ to enlighten their spiritual eyes and their heart.

What are the characteristics of a person who is a child of the day? Here are a few considerations:

Godly Love – This is not meant to refer to love as the world casually uses this phrase, but it is meant to denote a love that only comes from God. The world suggests that love is based on a feeling or that it is conditional. However, love that comes from God is unconditional and it seeks to serve others.

Restraint and abstinence from sinful living – A person who is a child of the day will adhere to a lifestyle that is not one of living in sin. Contrary to much of the false doctrine, one who is truly in Christ will shun evil as Proverbs 14:16 says. We are living in a time in which one can claim Christianity or say that they know God, but yet their lifestyle does not line up with God’s demand for self-restraint and obedience unto His commands.

A person cannot be a child of the light or of the day and allow sin to be within their life. Our world today continues to impress the idea that you can believe in God and be ‘religious’ and yet accept sinful behavior and even the sinful behavior of others.

Allegiance to God instead of to what satan desires – Humanity has now embraced secular humanism and ‘global unity.’ However, we who are children of the day must reject satan’s ploy to unify those of us who are in Christ with the wickedness of the world. Our allegiance must be to God and God alone. Anything less than such a stance is to abide by the lawlessness and sinfulness that is presented to those in the faith.

Such characteristics or dispositions as noted above are just a few of the things that separate a person who is of the day and a person who is of the night. What are the characteristics of a person who is a child of the night or in darkness?

Unrepentant sin – If you look at the world around us, many have taken God’s truth and spiritual and even moral absolutes and made it into a complete lie. It is now acceptable to do ‘what you feel’ is the right thing and to accept a myriad of sins. Those who live in unrepentant sin are doing so because they are unable to accept the things of the Holy Spirit as 1 Corinthians 2:14 says. Their eyes have not been illuminated by Jesus Christ, which means sin is natural which means they are in darkness.

Confusion about what is true and what is a lie – Our world today has become entrenched in the delivery of various mixed messages that many are confused as to what is right and what is wrong. Even many who claim to be Christians have allowed the world to dictate what God has said and what God hasn’t said. It is the person who is a child of the night that cannot understand the truth of God because they adhere to false doctrine.

Rapid decay both spiritually and physically – If you are a child of the night or in darkness then your life will begin to exhibit a decline in many different ways. Outside of Jesus Christ a person’s life cannot be full of peace or safety because there is a staunch opposition to God who gives life in abundance. Various examples can be shown of what a life looks like when it is unattached from Jesus Christ. Many who commit suicide or even those who are caught in addiction are simply mirroring the symptoms of a broken life without Christ.

Just as there is an obvious delineation between day and night, spiritually there is a divide between light and darkness. What the world promotes is a merge between the two, however, if a person is truly in Christ then such a merger cannot take place because the world will not accept the things or the people of God as they are. To a sinner who chooses to reject God, anything that resembles His light cannot and will not be accepted.

The reason for this is because, where there is light the darkness begins to fade. That is how the life of every Christian should operate. Are you a child of the day or a child of the night? If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are living in darkness. Jesus came and died so that you could be a child of the day. The world is rapidly changing for the worse, but there is hope in Jesus Christ. Accept His gift of life and allow God to show you His marvelous light.

Are You Trying to Be ‘The Captain of Your Own Soul’?

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

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ID-10063484Every form of transportation encompasses a person who is responsible for leading and guiding the vehicle to its destination. One example of that is the captain of a ship. The captain of a ship is the individual who serves as the guide or director of the ship’s course.

In 1888, a Victorian poem was published by English poet William Ernest Henley. The poem was entitled, ‘Invictus’ which was a short poem that centered upon the idea that humanity can determine its own fate.  If you use your imagination, you might see the imagery of a captain and his ship. Here are the lines from the actual poem:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Henley’s overarching point of this poem was to enforce the notion that he as a human being could not only decide his path in life but that he could also live as a god unto himself.  Phrases such as, “my unconquerable soul.” , “My head is bloody, but unbowed.” , and “I am the captain of my soul.” point to the very message that Henley believed in complete autonomy.  This poem symbolizes both pride and a refusal to bow to any authority other than himself.

It is this sort of mentality that has increased in rapidity as the decades have passed. Daily, we are seeing more examples of generations which have rejected the notion of submitting to God only to rise in the exaltation of themselves. This poem and those who reflect such a disposition are exemplifying ‘secular humanism.’ The secular humanist is an individual who has adamantly denied the very deity and authority of God.  Instead, they live within the confines of leading their own lives out of their own wisdom.

In 1 Samuel Chapter 8, the account of Israel demanding a King to rule over them is given to Samuel.  Samuel was a judge, a prophet, and a priest who was given the task of prophesying to the nation of Israel.  In verses 4-5 it says:

(ESV) “Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 

After this demand was given, Samuel was distraught and began to seek the Lord about what to do. God gives an answer as to what Samuel should do:

Verses 7-9:

(ESV) “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

If you read further in this chapter between verses 10-18, you will see that Samuel warns Israel against having a King and that the King who will rule over them will essentially cause their ruin.  However, the children of Israel continue with their demand, and Samuel obeys the Lord by establishing a King.  The King established was none other than King Saul.  King Saul was a corrupt, disobedient, and unrighteous leader who inflicted pain upon Israel throughout his reign.

The point that should be raised from this scripture is that Israel as a nation sought their own destiny.  In the early history of Israel, God had actually ruled as it was originally designed to be.  However, at a later point, idolatry and disobedience unto God began to be the culture of Israel.  This, of course, began to anger God to the point where God eventually gives those in Israel what they desire.  Israel desired a King to rule over them, as opposed to God being their King.

Basically, as verse 7 says, the people of Israel were rejecting God with their demand for a King.  How often do we reject God by seeking to live our lives in total autonomy?  Just as the William Ernest Henley’s poem suggested that he himself could chart his own course in life, there are many who attempt to do the same with how they live daily.

The great thing about God is that He provides free-will for all of us.  God is a God who allows us to choose the paths that we want to take in life.  However, God desires that we not only include Him in our lives but that we submit ourselves unto Him.  By relinquishing our pride and surrendering unto God, we are giving room for God to show us a better and more stable path of living.

Going back to the scripture, there are two fundamental mistakes that the children of Israel made:

1. Israel rejected God as their King – The biggest mistake that the children of Israel made was to reject God only to ask for another King.  In doing so, God hands them over to King Saul who brought chaos and bad leadership over the children of Israel.  There are many examples of those who have rejected God and instead have chosen to either elevate themselves as a god or have chosen others to be their god. Attempting to be your own god is a dangerous venture.  Every single time that you and I remove God from our lives, we are open to not only His judgment but the negative consequences that come with it.

2. Israel believed that their path of choice was the best option – Just like Henley suggested that the path of his choosing was what he felt best, the children of Israel believed that selecting a King to rule over them would yield prosperity.  However, history tells us that instead of prosperity, the children of Israel suffered greatly under King Saul. Even in our own time today, there are many who have bought into the lie that their own way of living is more suitable.  If you were to look at the condition of our world society, it has declined morally and in many other facets, because humanity has chosen its own way rather than God’s way of righteousness.

The overall message regarding our lives is that we are always in a better position when we are surrendered under the hand of God almighty.  You cannot take the lead of your own life without negative consequences.  It is the person who vehemently rejects God in their pride, who eventually experiences the trouble that comes with idolatry and a refusal to submit unto the leadership of God.

The very first step is to accept Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins.  If you don’t know Christ as your Lord & Savior, then you have an opportunity to start the process of obedience. God desires that we know him through Jesus Christ, and He wants us to choose His ways.  Free-will is indeed a gift that God has given, but it is the man or woman who decides to allow God to lead them and guide them who is wise.

Spiritual Currency – Are You Living in Destitution or in Wealth?

17 Friday Jul 2015

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ID-100142636Every nation on Earth has a form of currency. Whether it be electronic, paper or coin currency, each nation is marked by its individual currency which is used in exchange for goods. However, as our world is run with the idea that currency equates to wealth and sustenance, there is a responsibility that we all have when using our currency. Money management has been a concept that has been encouraged over the years. Various tips on how to invest and spend one’s money have proliferated to the degree of national figures such as Suze Orman coming to the forefront. However, even with all of the currencies in our world there is a slight difference between them and that is their comparative value with other currencies.

Basically, if you live in the United States and you wanted to use American currency in Russia, you wouldn’t be able to.  The reason is because the currency is virtually worthless in Russia, and would need to be exchanged at the Russian rate through a currency exchange.  This would allow any American to go to Russia to purchase goods, but only with what is known as the Russian Ruble.

When you look at this concept spiritually, there are two types of currencies that we are given to use.  There is the currency of this world which is to operate in our sinful nature. Or, there is the currency of Heaven which is to operate by following Jesus Christ. 1 Peter Chapter 2, begins with the very essence of admonishing those who are Christians to live in holiness and to forsake the ways of sinfulness.

The words, “Royal Priesthood”, “Holy”, and “Holy Priesthood” are used in various translations of this passage.  However, the point is that the Apostle Peter wanted to distinguish between those who are of the world, and those who have accepted Christ.

1 Peter 2: 1-3 says:

(ESV) “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Verses 4-5:

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

In this passage, there is also the mention of the “Living Stone”. The “Living Stone” is that of Jesus Christ.  When this scripture mentions “a living stone rejected by men” it means that Jesus was rejected by the world, but He was also chosen by God as precious or valuable.  Anyone who chooses Jesus Christ will also be like Christ in the sense that God has chosen those who follow Him to be Holy and set apart from the world. Verse 6 says that there is honor in those who believe in Jesus, and they will not be put to shame.

However, in verses 7-9, the term, “stumbling block” or “rock of offense” is used to denote that those who do not believe will stumble in disobedience. Basically, those who reject Christ will find themselves at odds with God and will be offended which will result in sinful actions as a form of rebellion. Verse 9, however, affirms those who choose Christ as being a “Royal Priesthood” and a “Holy Nation.” Even in verse 11, the Apostle Peter implies that Christians are “exiles” or as other translations use the words, “alien” or “not of this world”.  Peter encourages Christians to abstain from sin and to walk in the true calling of God’s righteousness.

The point to be made concerning the concept of spiritual currency is that there are two options.  The first option is given clearly in 1 Peter Chapter 2 which is to be apart of the Royal Priesthood by accepting Christ’s sacrifice.  In this scripture, Peter is speaking to Christians who have already made that choice. The fact is that we all have a choice to either choose Christ or to serve our fleshly desires.

If you decide to choose Jesus Christ and live for God, you are operating out of a currency of spiritual wealth. What does this mean? This means that you are now able to live a life of abundance which isn’t just isolated to money, although monetary wealth isn’t discouraged. Spiritual wealth means peace within your mind, a heart that is full of joy, and a soul that is destined for everlasting life when your time on Earth is done. You are chosen to do God’s will and to be set apart from the rest of the world.

This also means, that if you attempt to use this spiritual currency in this worldly system, that you will find yourself rejected by the world. Just like the example of using one nation’s currency in another, it won’t work unless you exchange the different values.  This is why, Peter uses the term, “Rock of offense.”  To the sinner who is not open to receiving Christ, God’s ways and those who follow God are seen as foolish.  Thus, those who follow God are spurned due to the reaction to the beckoning that comes from a loving God.

However, on the flip side there is an alternative currency and that is the currency of this world.  This is not in the monetary sense because we all use a form of currency to survive.  This currency is based out of one’s refusal to live in obedience unto God. Instead, it is a currency that openly accepts satan and the fleshly desires that come from our sinful nature.

As a result of living in unrepentant sin, the price is that of spiritual bankruptcy which means that life begins to decay. Why is it that so many who live in their sin, are many of the most unhappy and unfulfilled individuals?  That is because, for one, our lives were meant to be connected to God through Jesus Christ. Secondly, sin is a disease which drain the very life out of every human. The toll that comes from a sin filled life is one of decadence and poverty.

The world around us sounds a clarion of living for happiness, doing as you please, and doing “what feels good.” However, if you live by this spiritual currency there are negative consequences.  Every society that has removed or forcibly squelched the message of God has been a society that never experienced positive net gains that come from living in godly prosperity.

The result of any nation that lives by satan’s currency is one that is in abject poverty both physically and spiritually.  Confusion and chaos begin to become the norm, because of a staunch opposition to God’s precepts.  Just look at America for example – America is a country that has become bankrupt in the literal and spiritual sense.  It may be a country that claims to be the “wealthiest nation on Earth” however, even with what appears to be monetary stability it is anything but wealthy.  Confusion and various tragedies reign, because of humanity’s refusal to accept a Holy God through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Which currency are you using?  Are you living by the spiritual currency that the media feeds you daily? Or are you living by the spiritual currency that is tied to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?  If you are spiritually bankrupt, there is a method of exchange that you have access to, and that is through Jesus Christ.  By accepting His sacrifice and turning from your sins, your destitution will turn into spiritual wealth.  Take the time today, and exchange your sins for a life lived in eternal security and spiritual richness.

Obedience – Ensuring Your Protection

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

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When you think of the law, what comes to your mind?  Is it a picture of a judge who presides over a court ruling?  Do you think of a police officer who holds the responsibility of protecting citizens from harm? If you thought of these two figures of authority, then you have the correct view in terms of what represents law and order. However, within a system of law that is working properly, there must be an element of obedience.  What does obedience encompass concerning law?

For laws to establish order and for such laws to be effective, they must be followed. Laws are put into place in order to create a system of orderly conduct, and to avoid chaos.  A nation without laws is a nation that operates in lawlessness which leads to an existence of negative consequences.  In a society that is governed by law, most do not actively disobey to the point of being arrested because they understand that laws are put into place to protect their well being.

While laws that were instituted by humans were designed for our protection, God has also established a standard and His own set of laws that are to protect us.  An example of what disobedience looks like can be found in 1 Samuel 15.  Samuel was called at an early age to be a Prophet to the nations. In this chapter, Samuel tells King Saul (Saul was anointed to be King over Israel) to completely destroy a group of people called the “Amalekites”. The Amalekites were a nation of sinful and wicked people, who God had given King Saul the order of destroying for their assault against Israel.

In verse 3 it says:

(NIV) “Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.”

So King Saul begins by destroying the Amalekites in verse 7 while also taking Agag (King of the Amalekites) alive.  However, notice what it says in verse 9:

(NIV) “But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.”

It was God’s original order to Saul in verse 3, that Saul kill everyone and everything leaving virtually nothing behind. But as we see in verse 9, King Saul, and his men take what is good which are the sheep, cattle, fat calves and lambs.  Essentially, by taking what was left, Saul was acting in disobedience to what God had said.  In verses 16 – 22, Samuel begins an exchange with Saul when he tells him of God’s displeasure.  Basically, in these verses Saul attempts to justify his disobedience. In verse 21, Saul uses the justification that his men took the animals left behind so that they could  use them as burnt offerings unto the Lord.

However, even with that justification, Saul acted in disobedience. So, Samuel gives Saul the final word of judgment in verses 22-23.

(NIV) “But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”

In the end, King Saul was removed as King over Israel for his disobedience. Saul believed that what he was doing was right in his own eyes, but he chose to defy what God had given him to do.  As a result, his kingship was over. Often times we in our own lives, live in disobedience unto God.  Whenever we are blatantly sinful and reject the warnings and words of God, there are consequences.

Just as Saul experienced his dethronement, we too are open to God’s judgment if we disobey.  By nature, humanity is prideful because of being born into sin. So, naturally we are inclined to reject the authority of God in our sinfulness. However, when we do so, we are open to God’s judgment and to negative consequences.

We are living in a global society that promotes secular humanism and living as you see fit. However, Proverbs 3:7 says not to  be wise in your own eyes but to shun evil. The reason is because when we live under our own guidance apart from God’s, we will always suffer the consequences.  We are seeing a society all around us that is degenerating because of the sin that is being promoted.

Sinfulness is active disobedience unto God, and it is the very sin that God will not stand for. God is a Holy God and it is His will that we follow after His ways and not our own. Those who are secular humanists try to institute the very idea that obedience unto God isn’t necessary nor is it best for humanity. That is because secular humanists shun accountability which means that one can do what they feel is the right thing to do without consequence.

However, God shows us daily and throughout scripture that any person or nation that openly or privately defies God will pay a heavy price. Obedience to God is paramount to the success and stability of our lives because He puts His standards into place for our protection.  Why is it that premarital sex or fornication as scripture says, is something to flee from according to 1 Corinthian 6:18? Engaging in fornication causes various illnesses, in addition to tying the souls of two individuals because of how sex is a covenant.  It causes not only physical damage but also emotional damage which is why Paul says to flee from sexual immorality.

Why is it that God instituted the commandments of “thou shalt not kill” and “thou shalt not steal”? Simply because, engaging in either of these acts is sure to create negative consequences.  The other reason is because the root of stealing and even killing is based out of sinfulness which is against what God desires for each of our lives.  The point is that God desires that we live in obedience unto Him, because He knows the negative consequences that can occur if we do not follow what He has said. The other reason is because obedience shows our love for God.

John 15:10 says, (NLT) “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” Basically, when you follow God in obedience you are proving your allegiance and love for Him.  This is how you know that your devotion to God is authentic – when you walk in obedience.  The first step to obedience is to surrender your life to Christ.  By accepting Christ’s sacrifice in the pardon of your sins, you are a step closer to protection from negative consequences. Obedience is indeed better than sacrificing your well being.  Choose Christ, and ensure your protection through obedience to God.

Choosing Not to Bow Down

26 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Life, Spiritual

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On May 22, 2015, Ireland became the first nation in the world to recognize “same-sex marriage” as legal.  Voters turned out in overwhelming acceptance to vote for the referendum to make it the law of the land to allow homosexuals to marry.  It is also said that Ireland is a majority Catholic nation, and yet the vote was in favor of what appears to be a rapid change in what was once a social stigma.  The United States is another country that is also moving towards full legalization of “gay marriage”.  In June, the Supreme Court of the United States will decide once and for all if it is Unconstitutional to institute a ban on “gay marriage”.

The issue of homosexuality along with the acceptance of other sins seems to be troubling.  For those of us who are in Christ, we must be aware of the changing times but we must not accept what the world has called “good” and “righteous”.  We are already seeing Biblical prophecy being fulfilled.  In Romans 1: 18-32, the Apostle Paul speaks to the wrath and punishment that God has and will inflict upon those who choose to live in a godless manner.  Paul’s words are quite prophetic because his words penetrate into today’s reality. In Romans 1: 21-24 (NIV) Paul says:

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.Therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”

If you read further in Romans 1, you will see that the blatant sinfulness that was committed during the time of Paul led to further destruction.  However, these things that Paul mentions didn’t just happen during his lifetime, but the very things Paul mentions in 26-31 are happening today.  We are living in a global society that has now chosen to reject the very decrees of God and accepted secular humanism as truth and a way of living.  However, those who are in Christ should not bow down to this world system.

As an example of not bowing down, there is a familiar passage of scripture that involves Daniel and the three Hebrew boys. Most who know this story, remember the exchange that Daniel along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had with King Nebuchadnezzar.  In Daniel chapter 3, we see that King Nebuchadnezzar has erected a golden image in his likeness.  This was an image that was to be worshiped by all of the people within the nation of Babylon. In verses 4-6 it says:

“Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

At the sound of music, it was mandated that everyone worship the golden image or face a fiery furnace as a consequence. However, in verses 8-12, you can see that Daniel and his friends would not bow down to worship the golden image.  In verses 13-18, the King has an exchange with Daniel and his comrades. King Nebuchadnezzar becomes enraged by their disobedience and threatens them with the fiery furnace.  However, in the face of danger, the following answer is given: 

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

In the moment of what was impending death, Daniel and his friends chose not to bow down to the golden image.  The first lesson we should take from this passage is that there was a resistance against what was idol worship and sinful behavior.  Even in today’s time, those who are truly following Christ will be called to stand firm and reject the changing face of our world.  While nations are approving of sin, and even forcing many to abide by such changes, there must and will be a remnant that will live for God in spite of various mandates.

What we are seeing displayed before our eyes today is just as Paul has said in Romans 1. Many have chosen to reject God and exchange His truth for a lie.  However, what is worse is that there are many who are naming the name of Christ who have bowed down to this world system.  Many church leaders have allowed themselves to be silenced because of threats that have come from government entities.  There are also those who fear the backlash that would affect church membership.  The truth is, if you are going to live for Christ, there will be friction between the world system and those who are in Christ. Concerning yourself over threats and persecution that may cause a loss of church membership is not the priority.  The priority is to stand for Jesus Christ and to reject the sinfulness that has become common practice.

However, if you read further in Daniel 3, you will see that Daniel and his friends were not only thrown in the fiery furnace but God was with them.  In verses 19-27, it is recorded that none of those thrown in the fire were affected by the flames because of God’s protection.  It even came to a point in which the King was so astounded that he praised God in verses 28-29.  The point to be made is that there are rewards for following God’s commands.

The truth about the time that we are living in is that our days on Earth are critical. Every single day, we are seeing an increase in violence, weather-related tragedies, and lawlessness.  Laws will continue to be instituted that balk against what God has designed. Christians who are authentic and called will experience persecution, but we have safety in God as long as we are standing for Him and His laws.  Satan has gained ground throughout the world by setting into place a system of idol worship.  The majority including many who are claiming Christianity, are bowing down.

However, we who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior are called not to bow but to stand for God’s ways.  Not doing so will bring ruin, and consequences for a rejection of God’s truth. You too can experience the blessings of God by accepting Christ and coming to the side of truth.  You will avoid the consequences of sin if you confess it to Jesus Christ and accept His sacrifice on the cross.  Choosing not to, and following this world’s order will lead to chaos and destruction.  Jesus died and rose again so you wouldn’t have to be condemned.  Choose Christ, and choose not to bow down to this system.