Charnock says another way we show contempt for God is by giving up on serving Him if the results of our service don’t suit us.
I can see that. If I do something He asks and don’t like the results, I’ve already decided what the results should be — as if I am as smart as He. Isaiah says that sin is essentially “going our own way” — thinking we know better. Making presumptions about how God should do things is just another way of thinking I know better than He does, a sinful exalting of myself over God.
The coolest things happen when we don’t presume and just do it. Not too long ago God asked me to speak to someone about sin in his life. I knew God wanted me to do it, and if I had any expectations it was that the other person would listen — after all, God gave me a message. Of course that natural fear of rejection was there too, but it didn’t stop me from obeying (which also surprised me). But the results surprised me even more. The person did react negatively, with not the slightest indication of conviction or desire to change his behavior. He even laughed, made excuses and refused to talk about it. That should have upset me, but God startled me. He filled me with joy and a deeper confidence in Him than I've ever had before, a confidence that has stayed with me.
The other person didn’t change, but I did. Go figure.
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