Often we’re bombarded by deciding things on our own. Our selfish desires get in our way – we think it’s appropriate to tell God how things are going to go… not Him tell us and guide us on how things are going to go. I hate this about our human nature - it's as if we cannot trust the Lord in our afflictions - how do we EVER think we will get through them on our own? By sinning... strife, anger, bitterness, revenge, and everything in between is how non-Christians handles their daily struggles.
The fact of the matter is that we need to have reverence, and most importantly Fear of God. Over and over in the Bible we are called to "fear the Lord" (Ps. 112, Proverbs, etc). Fear of God is what we should be afraid of the most. He has all power, all strength, and all knowledge. I wouldn’t mess with that tiger. We must have reverence and fear for God. Who do we think we are to ever challenge Him and what He says? His commandments should be our lifestyle.
If you don’t fear God, you’ll fear something else or someone else. Prov. 2:5 "then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God". You should be afraid to sin – God knows your coming and going, every part of your life. Remember when you were a child and you were terrified that your parents would find you in the middle of your sin because you would surely be punished? Same case here… God disciplines those who love him – if we sin, we make mistakes- we have to pay the consequences for the choices and actions we make. As said in Hebrews 12:7 "endure hardships as discipline".
The question then arises, how can we be completely honest with ourselves and our sin? How can we change from our patterns and in turn make ourselves better? I would say that's where accountability steps in. Everyone should have someone they can trust to pray with and ask the tough questions. Mentorship is another route to go. Finding Godly counsel from someone who would surely know more about life and struggles than you. Prayer is another vital way to become convicted of your sin and repent of it.
I know in my own life, when I have people I respect and look up to asking me the challenging quesitons and pushing me to grow in my faith, I'm able to respond and repent in an appropriate manner. It's WAY easier said than done here...
To go a bit further... Correction comes from fellow believers. Fellowship and discussion on scripture is essential. It’s also vital that we have accountability so that we may correct one another – challenge one another – and build one another up in our character and attitudes toward God and each other. You can have all the wisdom and knowledge in the world, but God still wants to grow you, and in that case it requires people to build into our lives. Mentors, Accountability partners, etc. Romans 3:19 ends with, "...and the whole world is held accountable to God."
"26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." - I. Cor. 14:16
"11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - I. Thess 5:11
"5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."- I Peter 5:5
"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Prov. 13:20
Just a few little reminders that we are to build each other up - encouraging and not harming one another. Challenging each other to grow more in the Lord and in His plans and blessings.
One last note... I've really been enjoying the music of John Mark McMillan lately. I highly suggest you check him out on iTunes - specifically "Dress us Up", "How he Loves", "Closer", and "I am a Temple". SO GOOD!
Hope all of you are doing well... my readers are what make me keep writing. :-)
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