DEAD OR ALIVE

Ever heard another Christian or even pastor remark with disgust at the forgetfulness of God's people, Israel? We have all pictured them wondering around in the desert complaining, stumbling around and getting into trouble for forty years. We read about their indiscretions and disobedience time and time again. After they make it into the promised land the Book of Judges records the peoples fluctuation between obedience and oppression also. God shows how this cycle of falling away from him continues. The Books I & II Kings do much the same thing. They record the sucesses and failures of many generations of leaders who either followed or fell away from the worship of God as it had been established in the scriptures.

That my friends is a lot of scripture dedicated to reminding us that our poliltical, social and even material situation is connected to our spiritual condition. All of life is connected. We cannot allow certain aspects of our lives to go unchecked.

I was recently reminded of this reality. Like the Israelites I lost perspective.
I forgot some really important guidance. I chose not to do what I knew should have been done. I told myself many times, "It is just a little thing. Everyone is doing it. No one is following it," etc, etc, etc.

My indiscretion took place behind the wheel. That is one of the most common areas I struggle with. Once I'm shut in a vehicle and I am isolated from the rest of the world I often shift into a bad gear heading to fast to the wrong destination.

Today I feel like I understand exactly why all those pages are filled with the failings of others. It is not so that I can feel good about myself, pacing back and forth in prayer telling God that I am thankful I'm not like those sinners. It is so that I will not fall into the same traps, snares and sin that my brothers and sisters have. They are recorded so that I will be reminded as I start my day in the life giving, guidance and counsel of God.

WHAT IS IN YOU? WHAT WILL GUIDE YOU TODAY?

His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light onto my path.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (NIV).