Have you ever been in a situation where someone like a waiter or waitress told you that a dish was hot and you touched it anyway and burned yourself? The ridiculous thing was that you had just been warned that the plate was hot, and you could have avoided the pain that you brought upon yourself. I'm not sure why we do it, but I think there can be a tendency at times to do the direct opposite of what we're told if for no other reason than to find out for ourselves whether or not the person giving the warning was telling the truth. If you're the one warning someone else, then you usually don't have too much sympathy for people who don't listen. I can't help but apply these same thoughts to the Psalms from today's reading. We have fair warning from God about the consequences of choosing to go against what He tells us, and yet so many people still choose not to listen to Him. The consequences are still there (albeit not always immediate), and the result is always the same. God is trustworthy, and all that He promises us will happen – good and bad. We are wise when we listen to Him and exhibit obedience the first time around. Anytime we choose not to do as God says, we also are choosing the consequences of our actions. Make sure you choose wisely.
About Seth
Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have two daughters, Madelyn and Noelle.
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