The Israelite’s pattern is not much different than folks today. When things are going well it is easy to forget God. When things are tough we cry out to God. Somebody once said that this pattern was a little like parachuting . . . we only deploy the shut when we need it. Ideally a thriving relationship is the goal.
It seems to most always to follow the same pattern: selfishness and self-centeredness > cares of this life > deceitfulness of sin > hard heartedness to the things of God > disobedience. This pattern in human relationships produces STRIFE. If we ever get to the point of getting rid of hardheartedness to God, there won't be these ups and downs with God OR our loved ones Or anyone else, for that matter. This intimate relationship with God will produce the FRUIT that we see in Paul's writings. None of us wants to admit to having hard heart issues in some area, but it's the way to make progress.
The Israelite’s pattern is not much different than folks today. When things are going well it is easy to forget God. When things are tough we cry out to God. Somebody once said that this pattern was a little like parachuting . . . we only deploy the shut when we need it. Ideally a thriving relationship is the goal.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to most always to follow the same pattern: selfishness and self-centeredness > cares of this life > deceitfulness of sin > hard heartedness to the things of God > disobedience. This pattern in human relationships produces STRIFE. If we ever get to the point of getting rid of hardheartedness to God, there won't be these ups and downs with God OR our loved ones Or anyone else, for that matter. This intimate relationship with God will produce the FRUIT that we see in Paul's writings. None of us wants to admit to having hard heart issues in some area, but it's the way to make progress.
ReplyDelete