...do you play his tune? I often wonder what actions, words, and thoughts play right into the movements of Satan's dance steps. Does interpreting God's Word to fit our desires, our comfort, our plans add notes of rest that cause us to linger in the devil's arms of temptation? Does disregard for others and what we do around them, add the beat that goes on and on? Does indifference towards God's Word lend harmony to the devil's melody? I think minds go dizzy with all the pleasure eyes absorb in watching the sway and spin of others who claim innocence, exemption--or higher knowledge. And thus, our sighs of apathy provide the clanging crescendo.
Does it make any difference what I eat or drink? what I wear? where I go? who I associate with? Does it really matter all that much what I read, what I say, how I say it? Is it all that necessary to forgive someone when they maliciously accuse me of something I haven't done? When one sins, is it anyone else's business if no law is broken? Is my conscience clear because I say it is or others confirm my thoughts? Can I be deceived? Can others? Who would deceive us? Does liberty in Christ give license to weaken precepts, principles and ignore anecdotal situations from Biblical accounts? Is obeying God and following Him as much as one is led a sign of bondage?
Recently I read, "...we were not called into bondage but to liberty...for God has granted us not to be judged by what we eat or drink, instead has called us into the glorious freedom of the sons of God...We know that God answers according to grace...My liberty is my liberty and I will not surrender it to any one. It is God's gift to me and I honor it. I will not flaunt it, but I will not be brought again into captivity by those who say taste not, touch not, either." I do not understand.
Can the liberty I own through the grace bestowed upon me in Christ, grant allowances for my lack of discernment? discretion? choices? While I hum "Jesus Paid It All", do "I surrender all" to Him or sing another's fabricated tune--one of my own? Do the songs we sing in praise become as clanging cymbals without His love to write the lyrics? Can pride so fill our heads with illusion that we cannot hear the discord in the chords of Satan's songs? Am I ever tone-deaf to his lies and lead others to face the music on their own?
Let me "be still and know", oh Lord. Let me "know". "For I am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I've committed unto You, against this day."
Ears to hear, O Lord. Eyes to see. A mind to discern. And a heart turned to You completely. Let my Spirit be one with Thee in whatsoever I say and do. May I see all the ground I walk upon as holy in Your sight. May I always dance with You, my King. Give me a new song to sing for You and only You. This is my plea, Oh, Jesus, my Redeemer. selahV
[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2009]
