Following The Directions
I've always been impressed with technology. The advancement in computer technology amazes me. My first computer (an 80-86) was truly a dinosaur compared to the system I now work on.
I am also astounded at how we get driving directions now, compared to just a few years ago. At one time, we had a huge stack of maps in our car. Eventually we set the foldable maps aside in favour of a more compact map book. Eventually, my laptop was invaluable on trips, as we used a map program on it. And now, the computer stays in the bag, and we simply key our destination into the GPS, and then are guided with detailed visual and vocal directions. In fact, if we are in an unfamiliar area, the GPS gives us access to a database with millions of businesses and easy directions to them at the press of a button.
It hadn't occurred to me how popular GPS is until our recent trip to Florida. It was interesting to note as we drove how many drivers (us included) had GPS units guiding them. I can't give you a percentage, but there were a lot! And I guess it shouldn't be a surprise. What a wonderful thing to receive accurate and detailed directions from point A to B, and remove the hassle of paper maps.
With all that said, this article is not about GPS or computer technology. But, I do believe that we can learn a few things about the nature of man by considering the above observations. People are looking for that which will make life easier. Folks are wanting sound, easy to follow directions. This is true in many areas of life, not just travel and work.
Tech companies are able to make many areas of life easier, but they are unable to affect the most important needs of man. There is no gadget, doo-hickey, thing-a-ma-jig, or what-ya-ma-call-it that can address man's spiritual needs. Nothing new will be introduced that can satisfy man's soul; the Bible alone can meet our spiritual needs.
The Scriptures, if we will subscribe to them, give direction for the soul. Consider:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The prophet Jeremiah acknowledged that when it comes to direction,
...the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. (Jeremiah 10:23)
“People are looking for that which will make life easier. Folks are wanting sound, easy to follow directions.”
Paul's desire for himself and his brethren at Thessalonica was that
...the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
There may be a variety of places which one might look to for spiritual direction, but only the Bible will supply us with accurate and life giving direction. Peter tells us that God has
...given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue... (2 Peter 1:3)
Numerous areas of life may be made easier with new gadgets, but when eternity comes, it won't matter how easy or hard we had it in this life. It will matter whether we prepared to stand before the Lord in judgment or not.
Jesus told us about two men, a poor beggar by the name Lazarus, and an unnamed rich man. This man "fared sumptuously every day" (Luke 16:19). There was nothing wrong with him being prosperous or enjoying the fruit of his labour (Ecclesiastes 2:24). However, this man was so focused on himself that he would not help another (Luke 16:20-21). How we live now (not wealth, but service to God and man) will affect us in eternity. Abraham spoke to the rich man,
...remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. (Luke 16:25)
The root cause for the rich man being in torments is identified in his attempt to warn his brothers; none of them heeded the word of God (Luke 16:27-31).
Obeying God's word will not guarantee an easy life in the here and now. In fact, Jesus revealed that trouble would come to all who walk in His way (John 15:18-20; cf. 2 Timothy 3:12). However, if we will pursue the things of God, we have the assurance of victory (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4).
Walk according to the way of the Lord, and appeal to His word as a guide for life. The Lord calls to us
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)
Article Navigation:
Answering The Atheist
Complaint:
Why did God reject Saul as king? Was it because he offered a burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:9,13-14) or was it for his incomplete genocide (1 Samuel 15:2-3, 7-11)? Is there a contradiction?
Response:
The fact that multiple reasons are listed for the Lord rejecting Saul as king is not a discrepancy. Employers may have more than one reason for firing an employee; an insurance agency may give many reasons for rejecting an application. Can God not give more than one reason why Saul is rejected as king?
Let us say a few words about the questioner's reference to genocide. Genocide is defined as "the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group." Was God's command to Saul genocide? Yes, he was told to "utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them." I'm sure the questioner's intent is to portray the command to Saul as evil. Was it? When God planned to destroy the city of Sodom, He was asked by Abraham, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23) No, the Lord is righteous (18:24-32).
God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites for they as a nation were corrupt.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible