It is in the daily occurrences and choices of life that we bring joy or grief to God’s heart. There is a need for a continuous cultivation of the holy life. Moreover, there should always be room for correction from God in our lives. Do we recognize the authority of God and accept his chastening?
The acceptance of God’s authority over a broad spectrum is in a sense an uncomplicated decision. On the other hand, it is in the little things of life that we often find ourselves struggling to surrender. The long held opinion, or superior attitude. A complaining spirit or a proud heart. An action that needs adjusted or a reserve that needs released. Or maybe it’s our mindset that says we are incapable of error or our demeanor that throws about negativity. Moreover there could be habitual reactions and nuanced innuendos that God wants to reframe.
If we are honest, we all have faced such internal struggles in one way or another. All these and more can be labeled as a ‘little thing’ because of the invisible aspect of them all. Yet, it is these facets of the heart that God is most concerned. In fact, God’s attention is on the inward parts of our life…more than what our outward voice is saying. It is this type of ‘little thing’, if left unattended will cause great harm and even spiritual darkness.
When Correction is Refused
The prophet Zephaniah pronounced a woe on the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem. God’s city! The place where David had erected the temple and led the people in heartfelt worship of God Almighty. What happened? How did they fall so low? One of the things I see within this small book of Zephaniah is that God’s people refused correction.
It could possibly be traced back to a little thing that needed correcting, but was let slide. As the days turned into months, and the months to years that little stuff mounted into spiritual disarray for the nation. Listen to indictment of God against his city of Jerusalem.
“She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.”
Zephaniah 3:2
The particulars that God highlights here are all heart problems. Throughout the years God had spoken to the people. Judgment had fallen in an attempt draw them back to the heart of God for them to receive instruction and correction. (3:7) However, they did not listen and continued on with their evil deeds and grieved God. This should compel us to lead careful lives in the ‘little things’ of the heart.
A Little Thing with Big Import
Remember, when the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt and began their trek across the desert. A complaining spirit had swept through the camp. God had brought judgment and death on that crowd who had sinned against him with a heart of complaint and distrust. This ‘little thing’ was not taken lightly by God. Is it any less of an offense for us to portray an ungrateful or complaining spirit? Furthermore, is our distrust any less grievous to God? I think not.
What is God wanting you to change in your life? Have you brushed off the whispers of the Spirit thinking that that little thing really didn’t matter? Is your heart too proud to accept correction? Are you bringing joy or grief to the heart of God in the daily stuff of life?
The Crux of the Matter
Take steps to ensure you are cultivating your spiritual life and making course corrections where necessary. It is a crucial part of your relationship with God. The crux of the matter is that we keep in step with God even when it means humility and correction.
- Pause.
- Quiet your heart.
- Hear what God is speaking to you about.
- Keep a surrendered heart in the ordinary days.
- Bring joy to the heart of God by your obedience.
A continuous cultivation must be paramount in our spiritual life. In cultivation there will be plowing and in maintenance there will be correction. We are not ‘once and done’ when God first brings redemption to our hearts, nor are we a polished vessel when our heart has given a surrendered yes in sanctification. It is a daily surrender to the Spirit’s leadings. There will be course corrections and attitude adjustments. Moreover, there will be apologies and acceptance, as well as humility and trust.
When God brings a matter for correction to your heart, lean into him. Acknowledge your need. Be intentional. Receive his correction with a surrendered yes and an obedient heart. Furthermore, trust that these ‘little things’ of obedience are big things in God’s eyes. In that surrendered trust you will be drawn close to the heart of God.
0 Comments