Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:
God, who believed what we preached?
Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?
First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:
Their eyes are blinded,Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
their hearts are hardened,
So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes
and perceive with their hearts,
And turn to me, God,
so I could heal them.
Our bishop for the Arkansas United Methodists, Gary Mueller, posts a daily “GodNMe” devotional on Facebook. He focused today on how – and why – some people seem to be turning away from God. He cited several reasons, including how our culture seems to encourage this on some levels…and how technology and advances have given us a sense that we can do so many more things for ourselves, so we feel that we really don’t need God’s help. But what struck me the most was the sentence where he said that sadly…”people of faith make it hard for others to believe because of the way we behave.” He conceded that this was a hard fact to admit…but I really think he is on to something.
Dare I remind you again…people.are.watching. Like it or not, they judge us by how we behave. When we throw up our hands and blame God for our troubles, they notice. When we gossip…they see someone who either doesn’t truly love one another – or loves “selectively”. When we judge others, we do not demonstrate God’s unconditional love. When we are negative, wallow in self-pity, and criticize…they wonder, “Will they do the same to me? Is this what it means to walk with God?” If we mistreat or disrespect our family…our teachers…our coworkers and bosses…our friends…our leaders…and even our pets, others will question just how tender our hearts truly are – and whether we’ve made room there for God.
In short, I am afraid that we are often God’s worst enemy. We offer a “faith” that causes others to say, “If that is what it means to find God, I’m not up for it!” And who would blame them?!
We can’t have it both ways. And honestly, if you have really found God and made Him an integral part of your life, you won’t want to act this way. If you start every day seeking God and inviting Him to guide your steps, you will check your words AND your body language. You will bite your tongue, smile and look for the positives in every person and situation. If you trust God to meet your every need, you will look at the darkest, most desperate situation and ask, “Where are you in this, LORD?” – and then you will wait and watch for Him - because He will appear! This might not happen immediately…but your demonstration of faith and perseverance will be its own testimony. If you are kind and loving…friendly and approachable - even toward those who are unlovely and at times unlovable – others will notice. And they will want what you have…WHO you have!
Don’t be the reason that others turn away from God. Do not make it hard for them to believe. Being a Christian is challenging enough at times without fellow believers raising doubts and causing confusion. Truly seek God for yourself…make Him an integral part of your daily living…and honor His presence with your outward behavior. Soften your heart and let the healing begin – both within you and toward those around you. Do you really get it with God? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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