KEEPING ON TRACK
25th Aug 2021
2 Timothy 3:16-17 in The Message says, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”
Currently my reading in the Old Testament is 2 Chronicles and is a record of the Kings of Judah and their relationship with God. In some ways it makes sad reading as many started off earnestly following God’s ways, learning from His prophets, seeing God intervene in their wars and giving them specific instruction, that when followed resulted in great victories.
For example 2 Chronicles 26:4, Uzziah - “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…He sought the Lord during the days of Zechariah who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord God gave him success.” also “Jotham grew powerful because he walked with the Lord his God.” (27:6)
However, “After Uzziah became powerful his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God.” (26:16)
Jesus in Mark 4 tells of the different soils that the seed of the word of God falls on and also what happens to it. In verse 19 it says, “The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Paul tells us that Demas, his companion and disciple left him because he “loved the world” - was chasing fads! Psalm 62:10 says, “though riches increase, don’t set your heart on them!”
We need to be warned and corrected by Scripture so we don’t find ourselves trusting in resources other than God. These distractions happen gradually, subtly, but ultimately have disastrous consequences. I’ve seen many followers of Jesus grow weary, get distracted, occupied with money, fame and power and start trusting themselves rather than relying on the Lord - then, when life falls apart, they wonder why?
Been your guard and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
by Joyce Sibthorpe
