“We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” ― John R.W. Stott
If we're honest with ourselves, few of us want God’s Word to reform us. We prefer affirmation, encouragement, and comfort.
Our culture teaches us that constant praise is good for our self-image, but it's not. It encourages narcissistic qualities and keeps us from admitting our sins and weaknesses. (See Nine Parts Flattery)
Many folks create a god in their own image, a god who only speaks soft words even when they need correction and rebuke. (See Think God is a Permissive Granddad?)
But God 💙loves us too much for that:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he 💙loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrews 12:5-6
"Those whom I 💙love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
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Bible Love Notes
thank-you for these daily devotions, I am always challenged and inspired. Blessings...Lucy.
ReplyDeleteI want Go to rebuke me, but more often, I think you're right an I really don't want that deep down at all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have discovered these 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. I love them and appreciate you so much!
ReplyDeleteYour website is awesome! Thank you for sharing it. I find myself getting over whelmed with topics I like so instead of one minute I find myself studying for an hour. Topics seemingly come too fast for me. God is using your websit. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThat is a blessing for me to hear! Thank you for this encouragement.
DeleteThis is very important point you make. It's easier to craft a god of our own making because it doesn't require anything of us. Generally speaking, relating to any person takes work and a learning curve. And in the case of the True God, we are responsible to Him in the ultimate sense. This often requires change.
ReplyDeleteI know a person who has not been rebuked or punished by God even though they have rebelled and committed sin. How do you explain this? Is this person unsaved or is Gods Word untrue? They claim to have been born again and I know Gods Word is TRUE so what is going on?
ReplyDeleteMany people will not be rebuked or punished until Jesus comes again. Many sins will not be revealed until Christ comes again.
DeleteIf you read the parable in Matthew 13:24-30 this is described. It explains that there will be "weeds" among the "wheat" - fake Christians among the genuine Body of Christ, and we won't know for sure who these people are until the "harvest" (judgement).
Luke 8:17 assures us that "there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open." But these things will not be fully revealed until Christ comes again.
Some things are revealed here on earth and some people's true motives are revealed, but not all.