Expectation!

Teens, if your parents set a curfew of 10 and you chose to come in at 10:30 -- just because that's what would personally MAKE YOU HAPPIER -- how would you expect them to respond? Should they send you on an errand to the store for milk and you brought back soda pop instead because you didn't want to have to GO ALL THE WAY to the back of the store, what kind of reaction would you expect? Though their expectations would have been clear, would your expectation be other than that of them not being very pleased?

We seem to live in a day and age when many no longer acknowledge the authority of the Scriptures. The Bible is too often being treated as any other book from which people choose to be inspired by WHAT THEY WANT to accept while ignoring the rest. I even find myself in discussion with people who reject the Scriptures as God's Inspired Word (and authority) yet will still use verses as the basis of an argument if it works for them or their issue.

Every time I read through the Scriptures I am all the more impressed with how it relates to all of life in a way no other book or theological focus does. That in itself speaks to the reality of it all as coming by the inspiration of one source; God, the Creator and Sustainer of all life. Though we must consider context in the application of Scripture, either it is all inspired or it is not at all! The real arrogance is in thinking I am wiser than what God has declared.

As Paul was drawing his letter to the church at Rome to a close, along with greetings to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, he also warned. . .

"(17) I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT; avoid them. (18) For SUCH PERSONS DO NOT SERVE OUR LORD CHRIST, BUT THEIR OWN APPETITES, and by smooth talk and flattery THEY DECEIVE the hearts of the naive." ( Romans 16:17-18 ESV)

Are we open to what we need to understand from God's Word or merely looking for what we want to hear? (Note 2 Timothy 4:3-4) Since such was occurring even during the first century of the church, it shouldn't surprise us it is taking place today. As we study the Scriptures, let us do so always acknowledging God -- in His vast wisdom -- has our best interests always in mind. Rather than focusing on a personal preference or what may seem to be an easier way, let us realize the greater blessing of His Will for life now and for eternity. In so doing we will find ourselves pleased to please Him.

Have a great day BLESSED BY WILLINGLY FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL!
Carl

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