Pride Hindered the First Ever Relationship

People crave healthy, fulfilling relationships; but in many cases, they fall short. Sometimes, it’s the obvious things that we fail to see. Simplicity is too simple of an answer for some to accept. With the help of Holy Spirit, one may find more clarity by starting with the person in the mirror. It’s too easy to blame others for dysfunctional relationships. Of course, what a person sees in another may very well be buried deep within his or her self. That is a different kind of mirror. If we see something we don’t like in somebody else, it would behoove us to look inward.    
    Let’s address one issue that is a major contributor to hindered, or failed relationships. It is simple; yet, it can be complex in the way it shows up. What is it? Pride. As a matter of fact, it first reared its ugly head in the Garden of Eden. It thwarted mankind’s first relationship with God. When reading Genesis, we see the serpent using it against the woman in order to tempt her to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Gensis 3:5) This was part of a three-pronged attack.  
   1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  
The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life coincide with her response.
   Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food (lust of the flesh), and that it was pleasant to the eyes (lust of the eyes), and a tree to be desired to make one wise (pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Pride desires superiority, and loves to lord it over others. It craves equality with God, and quite frankly, it wants to be superior to God. It wants to be God.

Pride is a Bone of Contention

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
   Pride is contentious, and despises reasonable conversations. How many arguments were the result of pride? Too many to count. How many arguments did it ever resolve? Too few to count. When someone has to be right, he will not admit he is wrong when this unholy thing is involved. If he believes he is right, he sees no need to ask for forgiveness. Point of clarity: those who are so right, they are wrong, need to ask forgiveness. Even if a person is technically correct, the moment he lords it over another, he is wrong.
   In order for something to be true is must be spoken in love. Truth and factual statements can be two different things. How many times have people used said factual statements to slander others? By the way, appearances alone do not necessarily tell the whole story. They do not always reveal what’s underneath the surface, which includes people’s intentions.
   Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

God Hates Pride

 Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverted) mouth, do I hate.
   Segments of society encourage taking pride in oneself; and yet, it’s something God hates. And it’s no wonder. It not only hinders relationships, it destroys them. Pride was the cause of Satan’s fall, and ultimate separation from God. In turn, he used it against humanity to attack God indirectly, since he can do nothing directly. Something to consider when pride knocks at the door.
Pride interferes with open and honest communication between people. It prevents us from wanting to ask for help when we need it. As already stated, it keeps us from admitting when we’re wrong; much less, ask for forgiveness.

The Antidote to Pride

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
   James 4:6 But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
   A right relationship with God requires humility, and so it with people. It allows us to look at ourselves, and others honestly. Humility honors others, and is more than willing to admit when one is wrong. It will ask for forgiveness, and for help. One cannot use pride to eliminate pride. Humility recognizes its Source, which means having confidence in He Who lives in us; versus having self-confidence. In short, healthy fulfilling relationships require humility.

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Opportunity Knocks

Throughout our lives, we will always have choices and decisions to make. Opportunities come our way, and we have to decide how to respond to them. Ironically, our responses often lead to other opportunities. Of course, when we fail to act on them in a timely matter, they grow wings and fly away. Keep in mind that a number of them come from God, some of which are His response to our prayers.
   God has heard our prayers about changing society for the better, and has opened the door to all of us to participate in making those changes. When we ask God to move in areas of life, how He answers them are not always what we expect. In this particular case, His answer involves our participation. Contrary to what some believe, He doesn’t always do everything, especially when He has given some of them to us to accomplish. That better society thing is one of them.
   How many expect the Lord to wave a magical wand, and suddenly humanity changes for the better? He can do anything He wants in whatever manner pleases Him. That makes Him God. In this case, things are not going to get better without us. In fact, some of the negative things we see in society is the result our failure to obey His Word. So here we are. He has poured out His grace upon us to make a difference. Remember, the Cross of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection are His answer to society’s woes. Jesus told us what to do.
   Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
   Corinthians 3:8-9 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

How are We to Respond

Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
   The Prophet, Isaiah, gave us the example. It begins with a willingness to go. Staying open to whatever He desires of us, and allowing Holy Spirit to lead the way, places us on the right track. For some, it might mean going to another nation. Perhaps, it means taking a position in government at whatever level. There is a plethora of possibilities of where disciples might be sent. For many, it will simply mean staying where you’re planted. Wherever we find ourselves are places of opportunity.
   Part of going is simply being who we need to be for God. In this, we walk in His grace whereby we are able to do the things of God we cannot do on our own. It means extending mercy to those who are in dire need of mercy. In short, it means walking in His love. When people feel hopeless, they may become desperate, which leads to ungodly results. The reason many feel hopeless is because they haven’t experienced God’s love. That’s where we come into the mix. If we love our neighbors, we will see unexpected changes. Our neighbors are not limited to the people next door.
   Remember the ripple effect. It only takes one single stone to move the water.

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Righteousness Exalts a Nation

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Pure and simple, righteousness exalts a nation. That means if a nation is to be great, its people must walk righteously, which means walking in the righteousness of Jesus. This includes allowing our hearts to be convicted when Holy Spirit is convicting us. We can grieve Him, and our hearts can become cold and indifferent. It’s the path to a seared conscience. This also involves repentance, in which we change our heart, thought process, and direction.
 No political system will elevate a nation in itself. Of course, it may reflect the heart of its citizens, especially when they have a say in who governs them. Naturally, it does not necessarily represent the entirety of its population. That will vary in percentage. That being said, it might be a good idea to ask the Lord for His wisdom when it comes to voting, if you have that right. Is it a good idea to vote for those whose policies are not in alignment with God? When reading the Bible, what do you find about just and unjust leaders? They definitely had profound effects on their nations.
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.

Sin is a Reproach to Any People

Juxtaposed to the results of righteousness is the consequences of sin. A sinful nation suffers greatly. When Israel continued to sin against God, He eventually brought judgment to the nation. He was very patient and longsuffering in calling them to repentance. Finally, He dispersed the people amongst the nations of the world as a consequence of their idolatry, and the nation no longer existed. The physical land that once flourished, became desolate. However, true to His promise and nature, the Lord gathered His people back into the land. Once again it became the nation of Israel. This truth points out the reliability of the Bible. Very few people thought this would ever happen, especially since Israel did not exist for centuries.   
The conditions of a nation are very much linked to the spiritual realm. It’s not so much the result of physical activities. For example, some try to implement policies to curb “global warming,” to include what kind of vehicles people drive. First, mankind will not destroy the earth. It would be arrogant to think it’s in our power. To be sure, we should be good stewards of what God has given us; however, the Bible reveals how the earth comes to an end. In fact, it gives the true definition of global warming.
2 Peter 3:13 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
By the way, God made provision for the CO2 as the result of fossil fuel usage. How so? CO2 is plant food. Plants convert CO2 to oxygen. Not to get lost in those weeds, but it is good to underscore God is greater than anything man can do.
All rebellion will be put to an end forever! God is shaking the earth, and calling people to repentance. People mock the disciples of Jesus Christ, and the Word of God (see 2 Peter 3:3-9). Ultimately, they are mocking God, Himself. This too, will end. In the meantime, He is patient.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:14-18 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (NASB).

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Whose Will has Preeminence?

When the will of the government collides with the will of God, whose do you follow? More than likely, most people’s initial response to this question would be, “I would follow God’s.” This may seem like a straightforward question, but it can be a little murky in light of what Scripture says about being subject to governing authorities.
Romans 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God (NASB, read verses 2-9).
Obviously, part of obedience to God is to be obedient to the authority He places over us. If a person will not submit to those whom He places in authority, he is not in full obedience to God. We are not to obey just any authority; rather, it is the those put in place by God. The Church at Macedonia gave an example of this principle.
2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Before submitting to Paul and those with him, they first submitted to the Lord, and then by His will, they submitted to theirs. Here’s a simplistic example: if you live in one nation, you are not subject to the laws of another; unless of course, you visit that nation. Similarly, if the Lord leads us to a church, we are to be submissive to its authority.
 Sometimes laws and directives may seem innocuous; however, they may actually be in conflict with the Word of God. This is where things might cause some confusion. On one hand, we read, Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well (1 Peter 13-14). This includes paying taxes (see Romans 13:7) -sorry!
On the other hand, what happens when the Word of God opposes a law or an ordinance placed by the governing authority? We’ve seen this play out in history over the years. It may cause conflict for some. We want to submit to governing authorities, out of obedience to God, so it might feel disobedient to resist or outright disobey the law or ordinance. Some might be blatantly clear that we cannot follow them. Others might not be so obvious, because they appear harmless.
Unfortunately, some Christians have actually endorsed things deemed “lawful” that are in direct violation of the Word of God. Sure, maybe they do not directly involve themselves with such practices; nonetheless, they support those who do. In some cases, they are not clearly thinking about the narrative behind the justification of the practice. Several, go along to get along. Some things sound good, until you actually critically think about them. Why would anyone endorse something that actually is detrimental to the practitioner, especially when there could be eternal consequences?

Lawful Civil Disobedience

The idea of resisting authority can be unsettling for some, and quite enticing for others -rascals (just kidding). The first place to start is asking God for wisdom and direction. We can ill afford to lean on our own understanding. One may need to ask for courage and boldness, because occasionally there is a price to be paid for civil disobedience (see Acts 4:1-37).
It is a good idea to see if there are examples in the Bible pertaining to our actions. Of course, Holy Spirit may lead us to take courses of action that do not have specific examples in the Bible; nonetheless, they will not contradict biblical principles. Let’s look at one illustration: Peter and John before the religious leaders of their time (see Acts 4:1-37).
During this confrontation, the religious authorities commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). It might behoove us to take to heart how they responded.
Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
The bottom line is simple: do and say what the Lord commands, in spite of what governing authorities might say. For us, civil disobedience is obedience to God, even when it goes against the laws and edicts of the land, regardless of the consequences. We are not rebellious in nature; quite the contrary, we are obedient. Obedience occasionally causes conflict.

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Start Here

If you want to be happy, joyful and fulfilled, ask yourself, “Am I where God wants me?” This question includes your state of being. That is, being who you need to be for Him. Incidentally, if you are who you need to be for Him, you will be who you need to be for others. Conversely, if you seek to be who need to be for others first, you may not be who you need to be for Him. People-pleasing can be a detriment.
Let’s underscore the obvious: if you are in pursuit of anything different than where He wants you, you are spinning your wheels. More than likely you are seeking to fulfill the desires of the flesh, which is rooted in the world. Seeking a worldly lifestyle puts you at odds with God.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God (see also Romans 8:1-18; 1 John 2:15-17)?

Breaking It Down

Happiness is more related to pleasure, and reliant on exterior circumstances and things. Which means it can be rather fleeting. Nothing wrong with happiness, but if it’s your primary goal in life, you may find yourself frequently disappointed. For instance, one may find it rather pleasurable to buy a new car. Paid with cash; not credit, for good measure. Initially, it makes you happy; but eventually, the excitement wears off. In fact, if you factor in paying for insurance, maintenance and repairs, discontentment may be just around the corner.
On the other hand, joy is an inner glee that provides strength during less than desirable times. Joyful people have that “glow,” even under adverse circumstances. In some cases, especially because of adverse circumstances, such as being persecuted for the sake of Jesus. It’s not that they necessarily seek it; it’s just they found a reason to rejoice (see Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23; 1 Peter 1:1-9).
Joy is well aware God is with us, no matter what! Moreover, obedience to God brings greater joy and fulfillment. Self-serving people do not experience joy. At best, they experience forms of happiness or pleasure; and yet, they are not happy people. Definitely not content!
John 15:10-11 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.   
Obedience to God is rooted in love. We obey His commandments, because we love Him; and indeed, love is their fulfillment (see John 14:15; Romans 13:10). The question is, how do we obey, especially when we don’t feel like it? One word: submission. By submitting to Holy Spirit, we have everything we need to obey.
Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
If Holy Spirit lives in you, you have all these things listed in you. For example, there is no need to ask for patience. Patience is a submission issue. The joy of the Lord is our strength. If you need to strength, submit!
Here’s a definition of irony: the more you try to make yourself happy, the less happy you will be. With this in mind, the more submitted you are to Him, the more happy, joyful and content you will be. The greatest fulfillment is found in the center of God’s will!

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Stipulations

Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

When the Lord asked who should He send, Isaiah responded immediately, “Here I am I; send me.” Who knows how many sermons have used this passage of Scripture to spur believers to go into the mission field, or some sort of ministry. How easy it is to romanticize the call, and quickly answer “Here am I; send me.” How many heard such messages, felt their hearts stir, raised their hands and went forward to the altar; but by the time they got home, they forgot all about it? Why?

Some might say they felt manipulated, and came to their senses before it was too late. They weren’t actually called to go; it was an emotional response. Fair enough, but what about those who had legitimate callings? If the Lord did indeed ask you to go, would you? If you said yes, how far would you go? Incidentally, this does not necessarily refer to physical distance; although, it could. To those who have obeyed, are you still open should He ask you to do something different?

Would you obey, even if it would be extremely uncomfortable, or something you never envisioned yourself ever doing? If it is something you absolutely do not want to do, would you do it anyway?  Do you have stipulations? How one answers these questions may indicate what level a person is Spirit-led, and what level one is flesh-driven. If you have conditions, why?

The Problem With Stipulations

Too many want to be in be driver’s seat. They want God to be their co-pilot; not the actual Pilot. They don’t want to give up the control, which means they have not completely surrendered. A downside is it limits God in their life. They are missing out on so many good things He has for them. They are the losing the impact on those whom the Lord desires them to reach. They may not hear, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Furthermore, it hampers the relationship with the Lord, which in turn affects relationships with others. The best versions of their selves are surrendered to Him. Without surrendering to Him, they will never reach their full potential, no matter how many self-help books they read, podcasts to which they listen, or seminars they attend. Unless they repent, they will not experience fullness of joy.

John 15:10-12 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Conditions limit love, and when love is limited, people suffer. As long as a person is consumed with himself and his own well-being, obedience will be nearly impossible for him. He will be “obedient” in the things he wants to do. Their version of obedience may cost them dearly.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.   

Overcoming Stipulations

Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.

Deny the self says, “I love God more than myself and my reputation. It does things on His terms, and knows He is sovereign. It will not determine what is good or bad; rather, it allows God to make that determination. In short, denying ourselves means we do not demand having our way. It surrenders the self to be crucified with Christ.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

To follow Jesus means laying aside our own agendas, biases and demands. It means loving Him and people well. It is a life of surrender and obedience. To obey means to believe with the intent to conform to the desires of God. We do this through faith, and faith works by love.

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Beware of Self-Deception

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

It is easy to rationalize our thoughts and behaviors, but that leads to self-deception. As the saying goes, “There’s no one more blind than the one who refuses to see.” Of course, self-deception leads to self-destruction. Perhaps, it would behoove all of us to audit ourselves with the help of Holy Spirit. Be willing to see what’s hiding beneath the surface, and actually do something about it. Like repent and make some changes.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

While it’s true we are saved by grace (see Ephesians 2:8-9), we cannot afford to abuse it, or attempt to hide behind it. If we decide to just go about our “merry way,” hoping grace will keep us from driving off a cliff, we could be in for a rude awakening. Here’s a passage of Scripture that might get one’s attention.

Matthew 7:19-23 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

Fruits refers to our ways. Actions don’t always reveal what’s in the heart. Read Matthew 6, where Jesus talks about the hypocrites who seek the honor of men by doing by their public display of “good works,” for example. People have a misconception that signs and wonders are signs of God’s stamp of approval on their life; however, they are there to confirm His Word and bring Him glory. Gifts work, regardless of the person. For instance,

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one Man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation (John 11:49-51).

Notice, Caiaphas did not speak of himself, but it was the office of the high priest that worked through him. Later, he would cry, “Crucify Him!” Was his heart right before God? There are numerous lessons to be learned from Matthew 7; but for now, let’s narrow the focus.

2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

One Example: Forgiveness

There are many areas of which to audit, so we’ll look at just one major area (not to dimmish any other). How do we view forgiveness? How many Christians hold grudges? Is that okay? Yes, it’s a rhetorical question, but a lot of people talk out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to this subject. On one side, they’ll proclaim the forgiveness of God, and the merits of forgiveness. On the other, they talk of retaliation when someone does something offensive to them. That manifests in different ways, and at the center of it is pride. You can hear it in their voice when they talk about how they would deal with someone who should do them wrong. A lot of the ways they mention are what they learned from others while growing up (parents, close relatives, friends). Regardless of the source, it’s still unbiblical.

Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jesus makes it very clear: if you will not forgive others, God will not forgive you. Read Matthew 18:21-35, in which Jesus refers to the importance of being merciful. Verse 35 serves as another stark warning: So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses. Those who fail to extend mercy, will not have mercy extended to them.

The intent is not to use fear and torment to motivate anyone to action. The fear of the Lord is appropriate, but let’s not forget love. Perhaps, think about it this way: if a person refuses to forgive others, does he or she actually walk in love? 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us, love is not easily provoked, nor takes into account a wrong suffered. This leads us back to Matthew 7:23 where Jesus said, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”

1 Corinthians 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of Him.

One aspect of those who practice iniquity is they do not love God. He knows those who love Him. They are intimate with Him. Love extends mercy for the sake of God and the individual. Being in right standing includes forgiveness! By the way, His grace enables us to forgive when it seems impossible.

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Being Afraid is a Choice

Here’s an interesting question: have you ever been afraid of fear? Does fear make you nervous? “What if I get scared?” Fear can have a paralyzing effect on people, and thus, they become more afraid of it than the actual thing to which it’s connected. They dread the feeling of fear. This is not referencing a mechanism in our brains, which seeks to keep us alive. Sometimes known as the flight or fight response, in which the body arouses fear in order to prepare the body for some sort of action for the sake of self-preservation. That type of response does not have a long-term affect.

Then, there’s unreasonable fear, which the imagination creates, even if there’s no real basis for it. “What if?” Along with that, there’s the spirit of fear, and fear people try to instill in order to manipulate others. There are a number of places in the Bible where God says, “Fear not,” or “Be of good courage.” Why? “Because I am with you.” It reveals we have a choice in the matter. We can hang on to fear, and gravitate toward it; or, we can say no to it, because He is our confidence.

This has great significance in the day and age in which we live. Unfortunately, there are a number of Christians who succumbed to the fear of things that have no direct bearing on them. They have allowed the world to dictate to them whom or what they should fear, while forgetting what God has to say about it. No judgement; just discernment. Christians are human, after all. Nonetheless, by God’s grace every one of us can live differently.

Fear and Desolation

Proverbs 3:25-26 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Another way verse 25 could be phrased is, “Do not be afraid of sudden terror; nor of the sudden destruction of the wicked, when it comes.” The fear or terror points to the object of fear, and the feeling it infuses. From its root word, there is a sense of alarm. Interestingly, this same word is also used in conjunction with the fear of the Lord. Could it be that some actually give some sort of reverence to people or things that cause trepidation? Perhaps, even more than they give to God?

This is not some elites’ statement: while all Christians and non-Christians fall under the category of human, they are not the same. We sometimes forget, there actually are wicked people in existence, and there is a demarcation line which God has placed between us and them. As this passage indicates, what falls upon the wicked should be of no consequence to the believer. We live under a different set of rules. Be sure of one thing: God is equal! The decision to follow God, or not is up to the individual.

It is also important to not be shortsighted, and think solely in terms of the destruction of our physical bodies. Yes, there has been believers who have died alongside wicked people; however, physical death is the only similarity. Would it be considered sudden destruction if one were to be martyred for the sake of Jesus? Another thing to remember is everything on earth is temporary. Our true treasures are above, where we should set our affections; otherwise, we could be plagued with the fear of loss of earthly things.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.   

How many have made God their Confidence? Part of that includes listening to what He has to say about the things we face. With the later in mind, it would be useful to remember, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Moreover, we all have purpose, and until His plans for us are complete and we go Home, He will continue to use whatever circumstance we encounter for the good (see Romans 8:28).

Romans 13:5-6 Let your conversation (character) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

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Is it Difficult to Believe God Loves You?

Paul prayed, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Because of His nature, everything revolves around His love. Even so, Paul prayed that believers would know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. This kind of love goes beyond human reason, so it’s not really surprising people wrestle with the idea of God loving them. Do you find it difficult to believe He loves you? Why is His love hard to fathom? Here are a couple reasons.

Comparisons

For the most part, people base their understanding of love on what they’ve experienced growing up. Good, bad or indifferent, they tend to view God in the same way they view their parents (or whoever raised them). They compare His love to theirs. If their parents (especially fathers) were harsh, they tend view God as harsh. Conversely, if they were warm and affectionate, they would tend see Him in the same light.

Isaiah 46:5 To whom will ye liken Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be like (alike)?

God poses a rhetorical question, which He answers in verse nine: Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me.

We cannot compare humanity with God. No matter how kind an earthly father may be, he will never be as kind as our heavenly Father. Even a mother’s love incomparable to His, which some might be hard to fathom. Moreover, cruelty does not exist in Him; it is the opposite of His nature. He is a good Father Who is ever present, which is something in which to take comfort, especially for those whose father was never present. He will never abandon you!

1 John 4:7-9 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

Circumstances

Many have asked, “How can a loving God allow such horrible circumstances to exist in the world.” They tend to equate the harsh realities of life, along with the viciousness of humans exerted on other humans with His character. While we will not go deep on this topic, it might be worth considering a few things.

Much of what we see in the world is the result of man’s fallen nature. While that may sound trite in response to the question, it does play large role. From the very beginning, mankind was given a choice. They could do things God’s way, or choose their own path. Many choose their own path, and have or will suffer the consequences of that decision.

Choice without choice is no choice at all. God gives everyone the opportunity to decide to follow, or reject Him. Some might say, “I wasn’t given a choice as to whether to be born.” True; however, you are given a choice to be born again. To this later point, it’s good to remember, we aren’t home yet. 2 Peter 3:10-12 tells us the earth and all its works will be burned up (read for full context). Verse 13 says, Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

All the suffering in this world will come to an end, never to be experienced again.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

It is easy to love God when things are easy and going well. With things get tough, that’s when one finds out if he or she truly loves Him. After all, that is the bigger question. Do you love God? By the way, if you do love Him, that is also proof He loves you.

1 John 4:19 We love Him, because He first loved us.

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Righteousness Exalts a Nation

Some believe positive change in one’s nation requires having the right people in office. For the sake of argument, let’s say that premise is true. The question is, how do you get the right people? Where do you find them? A follow-on question would be, who defines the meaning of right or good? What kind of people will find their way into said offices, if the people of the nation are living unrighteously?

What if leadership is a reflection of the heart of the people? This is in an important consideration, especially when all authority comes from God (see Romans 13:1-7). In some instances, God seated rulers according to heart of the people. One example would be king Saul (1 Samuel 8:1-22). Israel demanded to have a king rule over them, so they could be like other nations. Essentially, they rejected God as their King. Even though God warned Israel through Samuel what manner of king he would, they still demanded to have such a one to rule over them. So, the Lord gave them over to their desires.

In some forms of government, the people have a say as to who will be in office. Granted, they don’t necessarily reflect everyone’s wishes, but they do reveal the heart of many. One could say, the election process is corrupt, so those seated in office may not represent the will of the people. Yet, it might. If the people live corruptly before God, corruption is sure to follow. More on that in a moment.

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Clearly, righteousness exalts a nation. It is included in our day-to-day living. In reference to our needs, Jesus said, But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Everything falls into place, when we’re Kingdom-minded and walking in His righteousness.

When studying the Bible, you can find example after example of nations losing the blessings of God, because they chose wickedness over righteousness. Israel being a prime example.

Is Your House in Order?

Jesus made us kings and priests (see Revelation 1:6; 5:10 and 20:6). He has given us authority and called us to disciple nations. That means, while we may be few in number relatively speaking, we have great influence. Especially since, God and us make the majority, regardless of numbers. To be clear, Him alone is the Majority.

If we are lukewarm, our influence will be of little consequence. Lukewarm people limit Holy Spirit in leading them. Those living a duplicitous life should not be surprised when corruption invades society. Yes, pretending to be a disciple of Jesus, when one knows full well he or she is not, does more damage than good. One of the biggest accusations leveled at the Church is hypocrisy.

How can we expect our governmental houses to be in order, if ours are out of order? How can we get upset with officials when they cheat and compromise, if we are doing the same things? Think in terms on how God views things, versus our little rationalizations when we compromise the Word of God. It’s amusing how those in congregations will expect their pastors to live at a certain standard, when they themselves cannot, and will not live up to those standards themselves.

What if the government reflects the heart of Christians? The Bible gives many examples of people praying that God would fix things, while they themselves refuse to repent. How can we expect Him to place godly people in office, if we don’t live godly?

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