CHOOSING TO FOLLOW GOD

As the people of the earth scattered because of the different languages, they began to build their own communities, which eventually turned into different nations. Since the people's hearts were polluted with sins, they did not follow God's ways; instead, they made their own gods and religions according to what their hearts desired and what their minds imagined. Psalm 115:4-8 describes the gods or idols that people made: "Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them." And those who didn't make gods or idols for themselves, they made themselves as gods and idols. Both the universal flood and the confusion of the languages affected the whole world. God brought them upon this world to show us that God doesn't take sin lightly, for God created us for Himself. He created each of us for a purpose, to be in close relationship with Him, emphasizing the significance of living a life aligned with His intentions. 

As the nations and people groups developed and grew, the further the people in this world became apart from God. As a result, God called Abraham to become the father of the nation of Israel. For God was going to use the nation of Israel to bring forth the Savior who was going to save the world from sin. And through our Savior, Jesus, the church was born to become the means by which God spreads the truth to this world until He physically comes back again to judge this world and bring all of us to the new heaven and a new earth that God prepared for us. While we wait for the second coming of our Lord Jesus, we must continue to live for Him. We do not have to live as the sinful world lives. Let us apply the truth of the Word of God in our lives. If there is anything that God is convicting our hearts of, let us repent from them and continue to follow His ways. The Word of God, or our Bible, is our guide to God's ways. Colossians 2:6-7 says, "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

The only way to have peace with God is to follow His ways. The world may think that it is foolish to live for God, but as we learn from the universal flood and the confusion of language, God does not take sin lightly. Soon, this world will be judged by God once again, and those who follow God will live forever in peace and joy with Him in the new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21).  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How does God want me to live my life? What happens when I continue to live in sin? What does God want me to do when I am currently living in sin?  

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me today that you do not take sin lightly. Please forgive me if I have been thinking and walking like the world. Please help me to follow you and walk in your ways, which are according to your Word. Please help me to turn away from my sinful ways and do the right thing before you. Please give me the will and the courage to change for your ways lead to life, but the ways of this world only lead to despair, destruction, and death. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.