Estrangement Instead of Enlargement

“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it more take away from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

Sometimes we think a new location or doing something profitable will be the solution to our problems, so we change jobs, addresses, or quit. It has been well said that a change in geography does not overcome a flaw in character. A change can bring out the best in us, but it might bring out the worst in us. A faith that fizzles is a life that is in trouble.

The nation of Israel had the opportunity to enter into the Promise Land with expectations of enlargement. Instead they enlisted entanglement among gods of the land. It revealed a heart issue. When we become so restless that we don’t go after God then we reveal our discontentment and we become entangled and faithless.

We receive our spiritual inheritance by God’s grace, and we claim it by faith; but we enjoy it only if we are obedient to His will. The Lord died that we might be free and He lives that we may know peace in our hearts. When the Holy Spirit does not allow peace in our hearts and we are fidgety in our spirit then know that we are treading upon dangerous water.

Criticism, cynicism, and casualness about God’s work fills the air today and the work of God suffers, causing much more than an isolated man to abdicate his love for God but also creating a rippling effect that influences others to step down instead of stepping up. What is the solution but to get more into God’s Word, stay upon the knees a little longer, and find God’s strength to get up and walk afresh and anew. God has promised joy and happiness when we stay put and go deep into Him.

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