Squandered Blessings

SQUANDERED BLESSINGS

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

V. 6: “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they [the Israelites, our forefathers] did.”

Our forefathers, the Israelites who were once slaves in Egypt (Exodus 3-12), had to learn how to live victoriously as free people. (They wrote the book on sin). See the lesson, linked below, to see that freedom unleashed them to live exactly as they wanted. Disobedience to God’s commands cost many their lives. Too many never understood how to live victoriously.

But we can. If you want to, you will.

Idolatry, immorality, and grumbling were sins that brought them down. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “So if you think you’re standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” Six year old Levi thought that he was “all that” and got embarrassed at his school’s Halloween parade. (See Substitution=Disobedience devotion). People often act proud and arrogant when disobeying rules.

It seems that humans have rebellion and defying authority down pat. God called His chosen people (the Israelites), “stiff-necked.” This means that they always wanted things their way. They resisted obeying rules—regardless of the penalty. Moses agreed with God about his people when he prayed in Exodus 34:9, “‘O Lord, if I have found favor in Your eyes,’ he said, ‘then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us to Your inheritance.’”

Nothing like being called out, tattle-tailed to God about being rebellious, defiant, and unruly! The Israelites turned their backs on God when He was leading them to their Promised Land, and Moses needed God’s help. Who brought them out of slavery?

The online publication, 24/7 Wall St. posted, “The 100 Least Powerful People in the World.” (Fall, 2012). Many once famous or powerful people (corporate executives, politicians, sports figures, celebrities), fell into disgrace. Some were victims, some made poor business decisions, but others failed the moral test.

Does the Israelites’ idolatry, immorality, or grumbling remind you of you?

Is anything more important than God in your life? You’re guilty of idolatry. Is outward looks more important than inner beauty to you? Face your morality issues. Do you easily find fault with stuff? Quit complaining! God wants you to live victoriously.

Take Home Nugget

Share the secret Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Emphasis added.
You’ll never go wrong when following God’s lead.

J.D. Griffith

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