(Prov 15:9 NLT) The LORD hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right.
This morning we continue our series, This verse flows in the same vein as the last one. Solomon continues to reiterate the fact that God carefully considers, and is concerned with, our conduct. When we say we are Christians and we claim to be God's children, the Father expects our video to match our audio. Let me give you some reasons why the Father wants our conduct to match our claim:
1. The Father wants us to develop Godly character: Your character is the set of peculiar qualities you possess that distinguishes you from others. When we come to God we all come with faults, flaws, and failures that have kept us from living the life He desires for us to live. God then, as a loving Father, receives us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. If we submit to the process, the Father is then able to develop us into mature believers with Godly character; people who like what God likes and who avoid what He does not. Our text tells us that the Father loves it when we run after what is right (or righteous).
2. The Father wants us to shine as light in the midst of darkness: What is the purpose of discipleship, if not evangelism? One of the main reasons the Father wants us to develop Godly character is so that we can allow His light to shine through us, into the dark, dying, and decaying world. The reason the Bible is so clear that God hates sin is so that we, as believers, would avoid it. The world will never see a difference in you if you are not different. If you speak like a sinner, live like a sinner, and treat others the way that sinners do, then how would a sinner know that you are a believer? Why would they ever come to you to help them change if you have never changed? How can you draw someone out of darkness if you have never left? Make no mistake, the Bible is chock-full of verses that command us to live a Godly lifestyle, because the Father expects us to SHOW the world the difference He can make the life of the person who is surrendered to Him.
3. The Father wants us to enjoy life: Jesus said, "The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness" (John 10:10). Jesus did not only come so that we could have eternal life, He also came that we might enjoy abundant and overflowing life NOW! Jesus does not just want us to make it to heaven, but He wants us to enjoy the ride. However, for us to enjoy the ride, for us to reap the right harvest, we MUST sow the ride seed. The reason God is so big on this is because He knows how the system works. God created a system of laws and principles - sowing and reaping, cause and effect, and the free will of humans - that govern the earth. His laws are always working. For God to overlook your sin and bless your mess He would have to violate the system He established. Since He is a God of integrity that would pose a significant challenge for Him. That's why He wants us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Our God is a good God and He wants to bless us, but He cannot overlook sin, so He urges us to live Godly lives. He wants (dearly) to gives us the right harvest, but He needs us to sow the right seed.
So what does this mean to you? It simply means that you need to line up with God's will and way today. Don't ask God to violate His integrity by blessing you when you know you are sowing the wrong seed. Abstain from sin, pursue Godliness, sow the right seed, and you will reap the right harvest. This way you can shine as light in the midst of darkness!
Father, thank You for the reminder this morning. I know I have a free will and I also acknowledge the fact that You have setup a system of sowing and reaping / cause and effect that governs the earth. I will not ask You to violate Your system or Your integrity. Instead, I will align my ways with Yours. I will develop Godly character, I will shine as light in the midst of darkness, and I will sow the right seed, fully expecting to reap the right harvest. Thank You Father for teaching me Your ways! I have and enjoy life in YOU! In Jesus' name. Amen!
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