Do We Really Want Our Own Way?

Anyone that has taken a true look at themselves has to admit that humans are a self-centered and selfish lot. I have even had individuals whom I consider completely selfless to readily admit this truth. Still, let us look at the Word of God:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

It’s a sad thing when God lets us have our own way. (1 Samuel 8:9) He even gives us a run down of the consequences (8:11-18), yet we still want our own way. Read all of 1 Samuel 7-8:22 where Israel rejects the Lord as their ruler and want a human king instead.

But do we really want the final consequence?

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. 1 Samuel 8:18

Rather, let us apply these verses:

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:8-10

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Angela Trenholm
March 28th, 2007