Wait – Wait – Wait This can’t be right. Do
you believe this? Is it true? Or is Jesus telling us a little white lie to try
to motivate us to be good. Does true satisfaction really come from the pursuit
of righteousness?
All our lives we are told that the best way
to enjoy life is to live on the edge, to walk the fine line between good and
bad. This is nothing new either. Generation after generation, it takes
different forms, but we live surrounded by the message that a little compromise
and a touch of naughty will bring a little joy into our lives.
The American culture teaches us that when
someone is stressed, or grumpy, they just need a little sex and they will relax
a bit. When someone has a hard day they need a drink to take the edge off. If
you have to meat a budget, a little lying or cheating will go a long way to
solving your problems. Satisfaction is just a compromise away.
It’s a lie! And it has worked for thousands
of years. In fact the serpent used this same lie to trick Eve in the garden.
God is keeping the best away from you. He wants you to go through life missing
out on all the fun, and always frustrated.
This same serpent is the thief that Jesus
tells us has come to “steal and kill and destroy.” His lies have separated us from satisfaction and in
fact have left us unsatisfied and distracted from the source of true happiness.
How could we be so foolish as to believe this liar! Jesus promised us “abundant life,” not average, boring, prudish or
disappointing life.
Here is the thing. As I sit here writing this, God is
bringing to my mind stuff that needs to be done with more integrity in my life.
He is asking me if I believe Him, or if I am going to keep on living a compromised,
unsatisfied life.
Now you decide, is Jesus telling us the truth? Is it true
that complete satisfaction comes from pursuing righteousness? Or is this
religious speak intended to manipulate the masses into obedience. Is there
actually blessing, happiness and joy in living your life for God? If what Jesus says is true, aren't we effectively robbing God of that which He purchased when we live in compromise?
Can you quiet yourself and listen for the voice of God as
you read this. If you don’t have time right now, plan some time to mull, to
consider. If you are like me, right now you are saying, oh, sister so-and-so
could use this, or brother what’s-his-name could sure use some integrity. Yep, I
thought about brother what’s-his-name, I admit it. But you need God’s voice in
your life today, and so do I. Get quiet and ask Him this: Am I stealing myself back from You by my lack of integrity?
(ouch)
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