I Was Just Thinking About – CHANGE.
One of the sad realities in life is the inability to remain flexible and willing to make reasonable changes. A while back, a commercial featured the saying: “I’d rather fight than switch.” While that was designed to show commitment to a particular product, it also indicated one who might be recalcitrant (an obstinately uncooperative attitude). We are able to see this in current political trends and the threat to filibuster just to be obstructionists. But – we can also observe it within the Church and among professing Christians.
A sad illustration of recalcitrant behavior is noted in Jeremiah 8:3-8, “This is what the Lord says: When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying: What have I done? Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.” Does that describe anyone you’ve met along the pilgrim pathway? Does that describe you and the choices you make (and insist on maintaining)?
Another illustration is the Rich Young Ruler who came running to Jesus Christ - Mark 10:17-27. His question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus references The Ten Commandments. The Ruler responds: “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” In verse 21, “Jesus looked at him and loved him: “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Wow! Surrender everything? Verse 22 states: “At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
The disciples were confused by and amazed at His words. Their question to each other in Verse 26 was: “Who then can be saved?” In verse 27, “Jesus looked at them and said: With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” There had to be repentance and conversion. There had to be a change in behavior and attitude if one was a validated child of God.
If you are a “set in concrete” professing Christian, how do you think Jesus Christ views your recalcitrant behavior? Another acid test for us all is in terms of our thought patterns and behavior modification. Read Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Prayerfully – consider these things with me!
One of the sad realities in life is the inability to remain flexible and willing to make reasonable changes. A while back, a commercial featured the saying: “I’d rather fight than switch.” While that was designed to show commitment to a particular product, it also indicated one who might be recalcitrant (an obstinately uncooperative attitude). We are able to see this in current political trends and the threat to filibuster just to be obstructionists. But – we can also observe it within the Church and among professing Christians.
A sad illustration of recalcitrant behavior is noted in Jeremiah 8:3-8, “This is what the Lord says: When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying: What have I done? Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.” Does that describe anyone you’ve met along the pilgrim pathway? Does that describe you and the choices you make (and insist on maintaining)?
Another illustration is the Rich Young Ruler who came running to Jesus Christ - Mark 10:17-27. His question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus references The Ten Commandments. The Ruler responds: “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” In verse 21, “Jesus looked at him and loved him: “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Wow! Surrender everything? Verse 22 states: “At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
The disciples were confused by and amazed at His words. Their question to each other in Verse 26 was: “Who then can be saved?” In verse 27, “Jesus looked at them and said: With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” There had to be repentance and conversion. There had to be a change in behavior and attitude if one was a validated child of God.
If you are a “set in concrete” professing Christian, how do you think Jesus Christ views your recalcitrant behavior? Another acid test for us all is in terms of our thought patterns and behavior modification. Read Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Prayerfully – consider these things with me!
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