‘…The people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.’ Judges 17:6 NLT
There’s no better depiction of our ego-driven nature than this: ‘The people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.’ Their philosophy was: ‘Don’t tell me what to do.’ But that philosophy leaves you without checks or balances, exposing you to the dominating power of your flesh. We’re all capable of becoming addicted to something. Recognising this is a necessary first step to overcoming it. ‘…The sin that so easily entangles…’ (Hebrews 12:1 NIV) may be a weakness for food, money, sex, drugs, alcohol, popularity, toxic relationships, power, workaholism etc. When it strikes, you’re much more likely to capitulate if you’re alone and can act covertly. ‘…If you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble.’ (Ecclesiastes 4:10 CEV) You need to ‘turn on the light’ immediately by connecting with your support system and sharing your situation. Don’t allow the darkness of isolation to overpower you. ‘If you fall, your friend can help you up…’ (v10 CEV) The pride that drives you to hide your weakness will keep you permanently weak. The humility to acknowledge it and ask for help is the key to breaking the vicious cycle. God has blessed us with mature, caring people who recognise our common struggles and will help us deal with them. We are part of Christ’s church, and ‘if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it.’ (1 Corinthians12:26 NAS) God instructed Moses, ‘Select…some…honest men who fear God…They will help you carry the load.’ (Exodus 18:21-22 NLT) Accept the help God provides!
SoulFood: Esther 4:13-5:3, Mark 2:18-22, Matt 6:16-21
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2012
