ARGUE WITH GOD
Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.
1 Peter 2:2: “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” Emphasis mine.
“Whenever I try being still, like God says to ‘Be still and know that I am God,’” twelve-year-old Cassie admits, “my mind races from one thing to another.” (Psalm 46:10).
Apostle Peter understood deep layers of God’s Word. Starting with pure milk, Peter admits that every person is on a different path and at different levels of growing in salvation. Peter’s goal, like Jesus’ goal and our Father’s, is for us to grow spiritually in the salvation that Jesus died to provide us.
“Grow spiritually in salvation” means to cooperate with God’s indwelling Spirit and be transformed closer to the likeness of Jesus. Being saved only starts the journey of sanctification [SANK-tif-i-ka-shon]. Growing into Christ-likeness ought to be Christians’ goal, too.
Apostle Paul also urges God’s kids to continue the sanctification process after being saved for eternal life. He warns that we’re to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12).
See the lesson linked below for more truths plucked from layers deep inside the Bible.
When we’re told not to think of something, human instinct is to think of nothing else. So when God wants us to be still so He can wash us in love or ‘speak through His Spirit’—our bodies might rest—but our minds race. No human likes being ordered around; we tend to argue.
Cassie needs to yield her will to God.
She must “let go” and “let God” in order to be still.
That’s why being “quick to listen and slow to speak” from James 1:19 raises arguments. When someone in authority speaks, we listen up. We don’t question what’s said when we trust that authority. But if we don’t like what’s said—despite authority—we argue.
Then we speak. We often speak before we think. We speak loudly when arguing. “Slow to speak” never enters our minds during an argument. We’re busy listening to ourselves quarreling points, ignoring from what authority they come.
Take Home Nugget
The Bible instructs God’s kids how to live. He mostly commands, never suggesting action. His wisdom guards us against confronting and losing to evil. God’s Word is all the authority we need to trust that everything in the Bible is true.
When we don’t like what’s written, we decide to not believe that point. Then when things mess up, we argue with God. Chances are sure that we’ll lose that argument.
What do you think?
Holy Father, Help me to believe and obey You without adding my own perspective to Your commands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from “Slow to Speak” by Dr. Tony Evans. April 9, 2018. Check out Alternative at www.LightSource.com
J.D. Griffith
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