Daily PresenceSample

My mother is unwillingly on a very strict diet. It’s not the type of diet where she counts her calories so she can fit into her jeggings better! It’s the type of diet where her doctor tells what she can and can’t eat so she doesn’t end up in Urgent Care. Let’s just say, when she doesn’t follow what the doctor says, her consequences are a bit more extreme than feeling insecure in a bathing suit!

Unfortunately, my mom doesn’t listen to her doctor very well! And mom, if you’re listening, you know it’s true! She follows the rules about 90% of the time, but then she gets hangry and decides to have a “snack.” That snack might seem innocent enough, but within an hour she’s feeling sick and saying she’ll “never do it again.” Famous last words.

When things are going well, a little “cheating” seems inconsequential until we’re painfully reaping the consequences. Israel is famous for doing this same thing but on a massive spiritual scale. Their choices aren’t just from a doctor but from God himself, and they still don’t listen! They follow through with God's directionsmostly, but rebeljustenough to hang onto sinful opportunities that suit their selfish desires. The supposed “little” things they let slide begin to fester among their people and become a thorn in their side. What they believe to be inconsequential turns out to lead them astray into big consequences.

I see the same “micro-rebellion” in our church culture today. God tells us what sin looks like in His Word and calls us to surrender ourselves fully. Though we try to remove the blatant sin in our life, we forget about all the little things we let ourselves get away with. Those little things that seem inconsequential, are often what keep us from the fullness of life God has to offer! These things slowly build a wall between us and God and prevent us from truly walking in holiness. We say ”God You can have my all” and then whisper “except this.”

If you sense any “thorns in your side” I challenge you to examine your heart and ask God to examine it as well. Ask him to reveal to you the sin you’ve let stay behind and “masquerade” as inconsequential.