Sunday, July 7, 2019

The Danger Of Being A Nonconformist

It’s only natural to want to “be my own person” or “follow the little drummer in my heart” and “find my path and follow it.” Who does not want to be an “individual, a one-of-a-kind, no-one-else like me?” Is that not what God really created me for? To be “me” and do “my thing?”
All of that “me” stuff is good - if not great - as long as it is done while staying obedient and true to God’s “instructions.” Otherwise, following one’s own ways leads to death. Do we find any advice from God about this “me” and “me alone?” So, if we want to guard our life and live well and not become involved in behaviors that lead to premature death, what do we do?
According to Solomon, “He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of His ways will die.” The word “instruction” is not open to our personal interpretation. It is instruction that comes from God through His Spirit. This is a “life or death proposition” that demands our unquestionable obedience if we want “the best, longest lasting life possible.”
Keeping God’s instructions is one of the best things we can do. In fact, a non-believer once said to me, “I cannot accept Jesus’ virgin birth or the miracles or the resurrection. But I do know that if I live according to the “instructions” of God and the teachings of Jesus, I will live a long, productive and rewarding life.” However, he was talking about principles - not power that comes from God through Christ. And herein lies the difference.
The “contemptuous” person is one who does not value living their life under God’s instructions. They look at His way as being a matter of choice rather than an obligation to be blessed with a long and full life. “Will die” is the exact opposite of “well-being and a long life.” It refers to a “premature death” that is the result of forsaking and abandoning God’s instructions.
Prayer: Give us, Lord, a willingness to be obedient to Your Word and Your ways. You have given us the power of choice: may we chose You, Your Word, and a blest life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 19:16 He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of His ways will die. 

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