I was just thinking about how we attempt to misuse God (and trust me when I tell you, it’s only an attempt) when we treat him like a genie, who’s only useful for granting wishes (I had a little writer’s block). But God demands that we love him, deeply respect him, and do what he tells us to do. Our obedience is his due, and our duty, in love (Ecc 12:13; Pr 3:6; Lk 10:27). And when we don’t do what he tells us to, God isn’t merely angered, but saddened (Gen 6:5-6, 11-12).
Yes, our motivation for doing God’s will should be in love. And that includes a desire not to sadden our God who wants only the best for us (Jer 29:11). I say this to encourage, not only you, but me as well: Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God by choosing to do wrong; don’t burden him (Eph 4:30; Isa 43:24). He will not stand for it (Heb 10:26-31). Have enough faith in God to obey him (Ro 1:5).
God has given us the ability, in him, not to give in to the temptation to sin (1 Co 10:13). So, let’s throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Heb 12:1). Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that we will not grow weary and loose heart. In our struggle against sin, we’ve not yet resisted to the point of shedding our blood (Heb 12:3-4). Jesus suffered way more than he’s asking any of us to, which should be encouragement when we’re tired and tempted to become disheartened.
Have an appropriate relationship with God. Give him the honor and reverence that belongs to him (Failure to do so is sinful). Don’t grieve God by believing the lie of pride that says he’s here to serve us. He is not a dag-on genie!
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