Stubborn Ways

Many people live with a sense of false security. In their hearts, they feel “safe.” This happens to people all around us, every day. People who mock God, and openly violate His Word. People who are defiant, stubbornly convinced that there are no consequences for their words and actions.

At one time, they may have felt pangs of guilt or conviction. But, when they don’t experience immediate penalties, they feel emboldened to go further. They may decide to go along with the crowd and do what is popular, not caring if it violates God’s Word. They may stretch the boundaries, and give in to the impulse of sin.

Those reaching these conclusions fail to recognize that God knows everything about their lives. That He is the eternal Judge. In His mercy, they might not experience the full consequences of their choices for a time. That they may appear to be “safe.” But He knows that we all will stand before Him and give an account of our lives, and answer for our choices. And eventually we all will reap what we have sown.

In our flesh, how easily we can focus on our immediate circumstances. And how hard to develop an eternal perspective. To realize that we never can fool God. He sees every action. And He knows our hearts. Other people may not know what we do in secret, or our true feelings and attitudes. But God knows, and He does not forget. He will reward us according to the truth.

Ask God to give you His perspective on your life. Be careful not to walk in your own stubborn ways. Be honest with Him. And seek to be pleasing in His sight.