Consequences of drifting

It is easy to say we listen but, as noted in the previous post, listening implies action. Either we follow the direction God is leading us or we don’t. In other words, we are anchored in God’s word or we are drifting away.

Moses summed it up a little differently but with significant meaning.

“I’ve brought you today to the crossroads of Blessing and Curse. The Blessing: if you listen obediently to the commandments of God, your God, which I command you today. The Curse: if you don’t pay attention to the commandments of God, your God, but leave the road that I command you today, following other gods of which you know nothing.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28, The Message.

Look closely at his words. The blessing is listening obediently. Being able to discern God’s guidance to us doesn’t come naturaly to most. Those of us who have learned what it means to be obedient quickly grasp that the listening is the blessing because, if we truly belong to God, obedience leads to something amazing. If we are living as our Creator intended, it means we are filled with a supernatural peace, regardless of circumstances.

The curse is that when we don’t pay attention to God’s commandments we will leave God’s presence and thus follow other gods. The scariest part of this curse is the remainder of the verse, “gods of which you know nothing.” There are many instances of God’s people doing just this. As they left God’s presence, they drifted from the Truth.

They subsequently were enticed into believing in other gods and always suffered the consequences. Sure, many of these gods promised prosperity and protection, but when it came down to it – when there was a showdown of power between God and these deities – they not only didn’t win, many times, they didn’t even show up.

We sometimes scoff at the stories in the Bible attesting to other forces in this world. However, we place ourselves in danger when, like listening to God’s direction and will in our lives, we don’t accept all truths found in the Bible. If Moses, one of God’s spokesmen, talked about other gods, then you had better believe there are other gods.

The truth is we no longer recognize them. Many worship at the altar of money or power and, as we drift from God’s road, we find ourselves trapped in a belief that money or power is the answer to everything. Yet, the more we have, it seems the more we want. It’s never enough. We also sacrifice at this same altar. Instead of investing in our spiritual life, we ignore God. That’s usually the first step quickly followed by the sacrifice of our family, friends, and relationships. The same can be said for our seemingly insatiable hunger for power, success, and acceptance. We become willing to do anything in order to worship these gods.

If you’ve drifted from the road, what modern-day gods are you following?

Blessings, Francine

3 comments:

    How true, Francine. Thanks for that sobering reminder. Sometimes idol worship sorta sneaks up on us. Thankfully, God is faithful to show us and lead us out.

     

    Thanks to both of you for your comments. They mean a lot.

     

    Hey! I just was reading your blog and it was so good! Thank you for your words, they really spoke to my heart! Thanks for sharing!!

     
 
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