Jul 13

Another reason why a person can lose all that was of value to him or her in life is a refusal to listen to God.

"If they do not listen, they will perish . . . and die without knowledge" (Job 36:12).

Who we listen to in life is a matter of extreme importance. There are many voices that seek to turn us away from God. Idolatry is still with us in the modern world; it is just the form of those idols that has changed. Today it can be money, pleasure, self or many other idols. But whatever form it takes, anything we listen to other than God speaking to us through his Word is idolatry. Those who insist on listening to the whispers of the world's idols will pay the price.

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs (Jonah 2:8).

God is gracious; he does not want anyone to forfeit the grace that he holds out to them. But if a person turns down the grace of God, as we are free to do, then that person will lose what could have been his through his own free choice (Jer. 17:4).

Though this is true, in the perverseness of man, though he himself is responsible for losing all that could have been his in Christ, when his life comes down in ruins at death, he will blame the Lord (Prov. 19:3).


Scripture for today: Job 36:12; Jonah 2:8; Jer. 17:4; Prov. 19:3
Thought for today: Each person is responsible for the consequences of his or her choices.
Prayer for today: I choose you, Jesus. You are life and in you I keep all that is mine in you. Thank you for this.

JUL 13