Wednesday, November 1, 2023

There are numerous times when the challenging behaviors of toddlers reappear in adults.

In fact, some adults seem to never outgrow the need to test boundaries. There may be less tantrum-throwing, screaming, and hitting by adults outwardly, but inwardly, a wide range of emotions may be stirring—if not exploding.

Upon becoming a follower of Christ, “childish” traits do not magically disappear. It is funny (almost) how quickly followers of Christ can regress to the emotional level of a toddler. King Saul, as presented in the weekend message, exhibited his stubborn insistence to do life his way, rather than trusting God. Saul, much like a toddler, declared, “Me do it!”

Saul took matters into his own hands when God did not answer his inquiries. Because God had previously spoken to him through the prophet Samuel, Saul went against his own orders and God’s by seeking a medium to put him in touch with the dead prophet to demand answers.

1 Samuel 28:7-8
⁷ Saul then said to his advisers, “Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do.” His advisers replied, “There is a medium at Endor.” ⁸ So Saul disguised himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. Then he went to the woman’s home at night, accompanied by two of his men. “I have to talk to a man who has died,” he said. “Will you call up his spirit for me?”

Clearly, desperate people do desperate things. Many times, desperation directs us toward God, but sometimes, desperation drives us away.

I’m guessing we have all made poor choices in an effort to “fix” situations rather than humbly calling upon God and patiently waiting for his response. Humbly, this “Me do it!” attitude comes from impatient self-will and is disobedient.

Galatians 6:7-8
⁷ Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. ⁸ Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

There is wisdom in heeding this reaping what you sow principle. Planting a field of disobedience toward God and hoping for a great harvest is foolhardy at best!

Questions:
What areas of pain and failure in your life are you blaming God for? Have you considered instead that the principle of reaping what you sow is being played out? Have you asked God each day for the strength to face your struggles, knowing he will empower you to endure the messiness of your “Me do it!” attitude, as well as others?

Next Steps:
Choose to self-examine. Reflect on times when you insisted on “Me do it!” choices and times when you deliberately chose “God’s best!” instead. Be grateful and mindful that God remains in as much of your life as he is granted access to.

Prayer:
Lord, your constant presence never ceases to amaze me. It is clear now, when you have seemed miles away, it was my self-centered, deliberate decisions that created the distance. I moved away from you; you never moved away from me. Thank you for remaining with me as I navigate the consequences of reaping what I have sown. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with those willing to consider the life lessons my choices have taught me. May you always receive glory for the endless grace, mercy, and love you offer your children. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

This post was written by Karen Peck, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.