“…he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” Ephesians 1:4
When you and I were children we did things from time to time that displeased (to say the least) our parents. And, consequently we were punished. That punishment cleared the air and we were able to return to our loving parent/child relationship. I know some of you may not have such good memories of your childhood, and some of those memories may be distorted because of your own stubborn pride. God’s word says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
The Wisdom of Solomon transcends all time, so do not say, “That was written centuries ago and doesn’t apply now.” Things in the world may look different today, but pride, anger, and fear still run rampant among us. They are seeking a haughty spirit to inhabit. Our only defense is belief in the Lord Jesus, faith, hope, and love. And as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “the greatest of these is love.”
I read about a young girl who felt unappreciated by her parents. She felt shoved aside because her brother had an illness that would eventually take his life and her parents had to give him more attention. One day she became so angry—her anger took her over—she ran away from home. She wound up on the streets of NYC hooked on drugs, pregnant, and eventually in jail. This young lady was only 16 years old! Her pride gave her a strong sense of self and she forgot who she was—a child of God created to love and be loved!
Our lives follow a path and sometimes when it comes to a fork in the road, we take the wrong one. It is painful. I remember when I was a child how painful my legs became from time to time. And my Mom would always say, “You have growing pains.” The same thing happens as you grow spiritually—there are “growing pains.”
Paul puts it this way, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) Do not let anger, a false sense of pride, or fear of being rebuked rule your life. It is too precious to waste and you are too valuable to your Creator. He has chosen you to go and bear fruit that will not waste away and rot. (John 15:16)
So when you come to that fork in the road, choose life. (Deuteronomy 30:19) The Father will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He has vowed to be with you, “to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) So love the Lord your God, obey him, and hold fast to him for “it will mean life to you and length of days.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Dear Lord, help me to know myself as You know me. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
1 John 1:9 Psalm 35:5 Proverbs 28”13 John 15:16
His Spirit Blogs 