"These wicked people refuse to listen to me. They stubbornly follow their own desires and worship other gods. Therefore, they will become like this loincloth—good for nothing! (Jeremiah 13:10 NLT)
We are to be aware of the signs of pride that will lead to God’s discipline in our lives. Jeremiah 13 lists three reflections of pride that can be evident in the lives of some professing Christians in today’s world:
They refused to listen to God. (Jeremiah 13:10a)
Their hearts became more and more stubborn. (Jeremiah 13:10b)
They “followed other gods.” (Jeremiah 13:10c)
We can see these things happening not only in the world but in the church. We have God’s Word to guide us, however, many are disobedient choosing their own way instead of God’s way. This happens subtly over time.
The less believers listen the less they hear and the more they want to do it their way, hardening their hearts to God. This sets believer’s up to follow other gods. Anything that you give more importance to, you spend more time with, pursue whole heartedly other than God has become your god, your idol.
Even after the many times they turned away from Him, were in captivity, chose other gods, mingled with those God told them not to mingle with, God did this for Israel:
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations." (Ezekiel 36:25-27 NLT)
He can do the same thing for us. He can gather us from the places we’ve turned to that don’t include Him, bringing us back to Him. All we have to do is admit our sin of pride and all other sins while turning away from them and turning to Him. He is ready to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (I John 1:9 AMPC)
It is really this simple when there is true sorrow for sin and sincere repentance, a desire to turn away from sin. God restores.
“Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!" Ezekiel 18:30-32 NLT)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(From the Vault of LWM)