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"But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22 NIV)
I routinely have people being impatient to pass me on the highway, even though I am doing the speed limit. I mentioned this to my driving family members and they told me that the important thing is to keep up with the flow of traffic even though it may be exceeding the posted limit. To not do so was dangerous.
I pondered this, but not for long, for the posted speed limit is not a suggestion, it is a command. To blatantly ignore it, in order to keep up with what everyone else was doing, was for me the far more dangerous and even very costly situation, when the police flag you over.
Keeping up with others does not limit itself simply to our speed limit on the roads however. We live in a day an age when many feel it is okay to also compromise the truth of the Word of God, or to settle for less than what is acceptable to God in order to keep up with the times. God's truths are seen more as suggestions, rather than as the commands which they are. It is therefore okay to stretch them according to what we desire to do instead of what God calls us to do. Where however does this leave us as His Church?
It leaves us much like a little cardboard church which sits upon my bookcase: battered and broken after my kitten got a hold of it, using it as a play thing.
Many churches are weak and failing, even closing because the Word of God is not being lived out by His people. This in turn means that fewer and fewer are being attracted to Christianity. There is power in God's truths, in His commands. They are meant to strengthen us, to mold, direct and grow us to be more like Christ, as we obey them. They are meant to improve and reconcile our world to God, through us. To treat them as suggestions is dangerous and costly for it robs our lives of God's transforming power which sets us apart as a chosen people who exemplify the power, love and goodness of God and His salvation to mankind through His Son, Jesus, who said:
"If you love me, you will obey me." (John 14:15 NIV)
In light of this truth, which will you choose today? Suggestion or command in regards to God's word.
Prayer: Father God, help us as Your people to choose to love and obey the One who laid down His life for us, while we were yet sinners, that others might see Your transforming power of goodness and be attracted to the One whom we love and obey: Jesus. In Christ's name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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