Yikes!

So, my Bible study this morning in 2 Samuel 3 included an “up in your face” kind of question. Here it is: “Abner’s words and behavior seem aligned with God’s purposes one minute and opposed to them the next. In what ways are we tempted to ‘bend’ God’s truth for our own personal gain? How can we fight against selective obedience and discipline ourselves to live according to all of God’s Word?”

Boy, oh boy! I don’t think I can ever trust my own heart or motives. And the more I study 2 Samuel, the more I am convinced we humans easily deceive ourselves and #selftalk ourselves into all kinds of things believing them to be true and the will of God. Add strong emotions to the mix and I’ve learned I can justify all kinds of actions. It’s complicated. I’m complicated!

Does anyone know what I’m talking about here?

As I was pondering how to answer the above question, I was reminded of the importance of and encouraged to continually take my thoughts and intentions before the Lord remembering that He says He searches the heart and examines the mind (Jeremiah 17:10) and to be like David who cries out to the Lord saying “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and mind” (Psalm 26:10). But then you know what else came to mind? Hebrews 4:12 which says “For the word of God is alive 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.”

Did you see that? The word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Oh, the years, I went without understanding how to know and discern the will of God for my life. I’d pray for signs, ask others, run on emotions, read and claim Scriptures that were totally not applicable to my circumstances. Truthfully, most of the time, I was bending God’s truth for my own personal gain. It was truly selective obedience because I lacked the discipline to live according to all of God’s Word because I didn’t know or understand all of God’s Word. I wasn’t getting into God’s Word to know it and understand it for myself.

It’s not that I didn’t want to understand it or that I didn’t want to follow God’s will for my life. I did! I just didn’t know how to make sense of God’s Word for myself. Can you relate to this? Look, I’m certainly no expert, but if you really want to learn to dig deeper into God’s Word, I’d love to help you. Just message me and let’s talk. Maybe I can help you avoid some of my many pitfalls!