People throughout the ages have
decided that it is better if they cast off God's restraints (Psalm 2). Their
pride and rebellion resent God's parameters for safety and security; and
instead, they believe that He is just mean and a "spoil sport".
They want to enjoy life by giving
in to their desires and following the ways of the world and the devil. They
decide that life is too short to limit or eliminate the desires of the flesh,
and they choose to increase these unhealthy practices.
This bolsters their pride and makes
them feel powerful for exalting themselves over the Most High God. Does this
sound familiar? This attitude started with Lucifer's rebellion against God and
continues in the heart of people all over the world throughout the eons of
time.
To cast off God's parameters is
similar to being given a life raft to row to safety, but deciding that the oars
are too heavy and cumbersome, so we throw them overboard. What happens then?
We drift aimlessly in the ocean
of life and subject our self to the violent storms, terrifying sea creatures,
starvation, dehydration and blistering burns from the sun.
Or maybe we are having an
isolated trial of maximum proportion and our good neighbor throws us a rescue
ring. We decide that this kind hearted, do-gooder is pulling us to safety too
slowly, or in a manner that is in the wrong direction from where we want to go.
In a moment of frustration, we
pull out our "knife" and sever the rope, which connects our rescue
ring to the safety of the boat, dock or shore on which our rescuer is standing.
This wild maneuver exposes us to
the currents, waves and winds of life that push us farther out to sea and much
less likely of receiving another attempt at being rescued to safety.
God designed His law, not to
diminish our capacity to enjoy life, but to increase it. Jesus experienced
first-hand the devastation in the earth caused by Adam's sin; and He wants to keep
safe those who will heed the advice of our Father God's commandments.
Prayer:
Father God, You offer us a
personal relationship with You that lasts into eternity, and that gives us
supernatural peace, joy and security in our body, soul and spirit. In Your
wisdom and goodness, You give us Your laws and precepts to keep us safe
throughout our lifetime and in every circumstance which life throws at us.
You not only know human nature,
and the consequences of our decisions, but You also have a perfect plan for our
life. Living in the center of Your will is the happiest place on earth
(Ephesians 2:8-10). Open our eyes and ears and help us to understand that You
have no intention of harming or restricting us, but Your goal is always to
bless us and keep us safe, so that Your face can continually shine down on us
(Numbers 6:24-26).
Thought for the Day:
The Lord our God is always with
us, our Mighty Warrior who saves us; He takes great delight in us and He desires
that none of us perish in hell for eternity; therefore, He rebukes us to keep us
walking on His straight and narrow road; and when we do, He is so happy for us
and with us that He rejoices over us with singing. - Zephaniah 3:17
