Exodus 16:28 Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?”

Human capacity for ignoring or going against God is virtually unlimited. It wasn’t that the Israelites had misunderstood their instructions, it was that they didn’t choose to follow them. Yesterday’s message made it clear that faith equals obedience. If we aren’t being obedient to God, that shows we don’t really believe Him where it matters. God wasn’t surprised by this behavior in the Israelites, but He used this turn of phrase to point out to them what they were doing. We not only have an immense capacity for ignoring God, we have an equally great capacity for fooling ourselves at the same time, thinking that we are being properly devout. James wrote about this at some length in his letter, pointing out the inconsistencies in insisting we have strong faith while failing to do the things Jesus told us to do. Such behavior harms no one more than it harms us, because walking in deception and disobedience cuts us off from the flow of God’s grace. That’s a loss any way you look at it!

I can never forget the years I walked in proud self-deception, and God’s great mercy in turning me around. At the same time, I have to recognize and admit that I haven’t been totally free of self-deception in the years since then. I have had moments of rebellion/weak faith with a frequency I hate to admit. Yesterday’s message was indeed very practical, and I need to apply it instead of just preaching it! When I have had such struggles myself, I have no room to look down on believers who are struggling in the same way, however exasperating dealing with them might be. I must remember God’s grace and patience toward me, and extend that same grace and patience toward them. God’s grace is big enough for us all!

Father, thank You indeed for the magnificence of Your grace. Thank You for all You did yesterday, not just in speaking through me but in working in various hearts and lives. Thank You for the assurance that You are indeed transforming us from glory to glory, growing us into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we trust You enough to participate fully in that process, choosing to obey You in all things at all times, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!