All too often, Christians only see God’s Grace. How does knowing that God is a God of judgment, as well as a God of holiness and righteousness affect your faith and obedience?
Obedience is so essential for us to understand and apply! Knowledge is important, but, what we think we know pales in comparison to who Christ is and what He does for us. When we feel we are wise, we are like a four-year-old thinking he knows better than his parents. How far can a four-year-old carry himself in life?
How far can we carry ourselves in life without Christ?
We may think we are doing well, but when we look back, with eternity as our guide, our ways are revealed as very pathetic indeed! We need to allow God’s truth to reign in us, and hold on to that reign with trust and obedience. When we do this without worry, and with trust, we grow, and real wisdom will flow into us, and through us to those around us. Just be aware that God will not give you wisdom or gifts until you have mastered what He has already given you (Luke 16:10; 19:17; John 7:17; 14:12; Heb. 12:6)!
The more knowledge you have, the more responsibility you have to use and practice it.
That is why Moses was not let into the Promise Land; he disobeyed God. He knew better than anyone who ever lived not to do that! Fortunately, today we have Grace! Even though Moses disobeyed God in a relatively minor matter in our perspective, God was still gracious, and showed him all that would come. What God sees as important, we sometimes skip. Remember, Moses knew better. And, when we sin, we know better too! Thus the offense of striking the rock was bad enough for him to be excluded from entering the Promised Land. Moses had been face to face with God, and knew his duty and call. His anger broke the trust he had with God, resulting in grave consequences.
Fortunately for us, we have Grace to further protect us (Ex.17: 6; Num. 20:8-11)!
What happens to a Christian’s growth and faith when all he acknowledges is God’s grace, and not the rest of His attributes?
The more knowledge you have, the more responsibility you have to use and practice it.
What does this mean to you and your church? Consider your gifts and opportunities. How have you used them?
What can you do to take to heart in a deeper way that God is more concerned with your obedience than your knowledge?
Filed under: Leadership Issues, Spiritual Maturity | Tagged: disobeyed God, God's Grace, God’s truth, knowledge, Moses, Moses and the rock, obedience, practice, replacate, responsibility, trust and obedience | 1 Comment »
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