Consequences

via TJC

The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any of the inhabitants of the world, that foe or enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem. This was for the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous. - Lamentations 4:12-13

If there is no God, then what makes me who I am? If there is no God, then I am a product of society. Yes, parents gave birth, but my family, friends, schools, job and social values made me who I am. If there is no God, then WE are god. If there is no God, then we are all that we have.

I thought this way, once. There were consequences. I muffled the calls of the Holy Spirit. I put my foot on the cord between us, and his voice was like a phone call in bad reception. In place of God I placed: me.

All kidding aside, let’s talk about: me. In short, the answer is: me and my unique perceptions. Really, only me and for me with respect to my desires. Me and me and also myself and I…said Satan.

My act of rejection gave Satan authority. I didn’t realize it at the time. The wrong people crossed my path. It seemed reasonable for me to dislike and disrespect Christians. It made sense to be open to sinful themes in movies, books and discussion. If I could justify it as “bringing humans together”, then I was willing to accept any idea. I thought that authors who erased or rewrote the history of Jesus Christ were progressive and clever.

However, there were consequences. When I filled myself with me, my life grew empty. I lost the ability to discern. I lost the peace that transcends understanding. I started to think of myself and other humans as half primate and half con-artist. The light that illuminates, binds and looses was unplugged and thrown in a closet.

The Kings of Lamentations 4:12-13 could not believe their gates could be forcibly breached. Where they (and I) failed is not realizing that it is possible for you to open or weaken your gates from the inside, through your choices, and thereby give ground or much more to the enemy.

If I don’t seek that voice - if I don’t feel guilt in sin - if I don’t feel drive towards God, then I know that I’ve left all my gates open for robbery. I do not trust myself. I’m not trustworthy. So, I trust the Word of God.

Daily Battle Order:

Look at your actions. Have you made yourself a god by trusting your judgment over God’s? Be very reflective and repent today for all the times you have not listened.