“That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness.” (Hebrews 3:7–8, NLT)
People don’t like to be told what to do. We are a difficult species. When we don’t get our way, we fuss and fume. When something doesn’t pan out, we get irritable or resentful. It’s mostly a pride thing. It can easily become sinful.
When driving through Texas, a Christian man named Aidan passed a church sign that read, “Go and sin no more!”. He came home and told his wife, “That church is probably full of bigots and racists and white nationalists…. The worst sort of people. They probably like to point out who the sinners are, and who needs to repent.” As he fussed about the sign, he felt his blood pressure rising. He needed to calm down and let it go. But he couldn’t. The sign made him angry. Why do Christians point fingers, point out sinners, make enemies?
In an effort to calm himself, Aidan sat at the desk in his den. He tried to pray but the words just wouldn’t come to mind. Finally, he resolved himself to look up what his Bible said about sin. A concordance in the back pages of his Bible pointed to the gospel of John, chapter eight. Aidan turned to John 8 and began to read. The scripture was about the woman who was about to be stoned for adultery. Jesus stopped the stoning by saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). This stopped the men in their tracks. They walked away knowing they too were sinners. After a few words, Jesus turned to the woman who had committed adultery and said, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
As he read those words of Jesus, Aidan’s heart immediately became convicted. All afternoon, he had been angry at a church for the harsh words on their sign, “Go and sin no more”. He had forgotten that these were the words of Jesus. Aidan had been angry because of words Jesus had said! Aidan stopped to pray. His prayer contained not only words of repentance but self-examination. Aidan promised God that he would not be so judgmental, so arrogant, so self-righteous as to condemn others who were just repeating the words and hope of Christ Jesus!
Some people walk around with a chip on their shoulder. They are just looking for a fight. Others have hearts filled with regrets or resentments they use to fuel anger at others or caustic speech. Narcissists take issue with anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Those who are politically motivated often fail to see both sides of an argument. Biases preclude many from being open and honest about the truth. Too many people, people like Aidan in the story above, are quick to condemn others without understanding the whole story. Today’s scripture contains a correction to all of us human beings.
Hebrews 3:7-8 calls upon those “who hear God’s voice”, not to harden their hearts. The author of Hebrews used these verses to remind Christians in the early church that Israel sinned when they hardened their hearts against God. It doesn’t matter how close to God you are; a judgmental attitude and hardened heart can wreck one’s relationship with God! Why did the author of Hebrews write these verses? Probably because the author knew that when God says “NO” or “Repent!” or “Sin No more!”, it is not uncommon for human beings to get offended!
When meditating on this scripture from Hebrews, Rev. Charles Stanley had the following words to add:
“To listen to God openly means to be willing to hear whatever He has to say. Whether He wants to correct or comfort you, convict or assure you, it’s important you focus on Him wholeheartedly.
Doing this isn’t always easy. You may be looking for encouragement from God when instead He has a word of admonishment for you. But be warned—if you are unwilling to hear what He has to say, your heart will harden toward His Spirit and your need for discipline will most likely increase.
Therefore, as you listen to the Father—humbly dependent upon His Holy Spirit—don’t be surprised when He brings to mind areas of your life that need to change. Do not pick and choose what you want to hear. Listen to and obey Him—He is revealing these issues for your benefit and healing. If you refuse to hear His warnings, it could lead to your ruin.
Friend, the Savior always speaks for your good. Therefore, accept whatever He says—both the positive and the negative—trusting that He has a positive goal in mind.” (p. 38, Every Day in His Presence).
Human beings can be stubborn, strong-willed, prideful, and resistant to change. Too often, when God wants people to change their ways, they refuse. They fuss and fight and fume. Doing so has consequences. This defensiveness often results in a heart that is hardened to the truth and a soul that is unsettled. No good will come of it until one repents, makes things right, and submits to the voice of God.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Oh Lord my God, forgive my foolish ways. I can be resistant to change, forsaking Your holy word. I might fight against the truth of a matter. My hackles tend to rise when someone does not go along with my assessments. I can be misled.
Pride and arrogance are often promoted in this world. Defensive attitudes are commonplace. Groups defend an “us against them” mentality. These attitudes may so easily lead to sin.
Help me to listen for Your voice and follow Your leading. Obedience might be difficult to swallow, but it is a sign of true faith. I need to follow Your word. I need to trust Your voice.
In Christ Jesus, I submit to Your will. I promise to honor Your Word and respect Your Holy Spirit, especially when I do not understand what that entails. Your wisdom is greater than my reasoning! Amen.
Today's Uplifting Video looks at how the Bible defines "sin". Check it out by clicking below....