Daily Journal: 14 May

His Nature or Mine

2 Timothy 2:19

(NLV) But the truth of God cannot be changed. It says, “The Lord knows those who are His.” And, “Everyone who says he is a Christian must turn away from sin!”

(NASB) Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.”

What is wickedness?

Definitions from Oxford Languages Dictionary

Wickedness: the quality of being evil or morally wrong.

Moral: concerned with the principles of right and wrong behaviour.

Evil: profoundly immoral and wicked.

Definition from Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Sin:

a: transgression of the law of God

b: a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God

These terms – sin, wicked, evil, even morals sound old-fashioned these days. Perhaps because people don’t want to concern themselves with them anymore.

Without knowing morals – the principles of right and wrong behaviour – people become corrupted. Our culture’s fashionable thought is that it is more important to follow what feels right or wrong for an individual according to their personal 'truth', rather than be concerned with right or wrong moral behaviour. That sort of logic leads to a lack of boundaries and a lack of safe-guards.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 (GWT)

A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

This is what God calls wickedness. It's not His desire for humanity, His creation, to be corrupted this way, but wickedness stems from a desire for self above God's moral law and justice.

Matthew 12:30 (BLB)

The one not being with Me is against Me, and the one not gathering with Me scatters.

If I'm not thinking about His nature or mine I will allow myself to sink into my own 'truth', my own 'wisdom'.

1 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Think about God's nature: Holy. Merciful. Faithful. Kind. Patient. Compassionate. Love. Righteous. Just. All-knowing. All-powerful.

My nature in comparison: Impure. Critical. Corruptible. Unkind. Impatient. Hardened. Limited learning and understanding. Destructible.

So, will I choose to follow God's nature and allow Him to shape me into being more like Him? Or will I choose to gratify my own nature? I like His nature better.

Why would I not identify myself in the most perfect being who designed me, created me, called me and now wants to look after me? The One who gives me new life and a new nature that brings wholeness and assurance? I cannot identify with both His nature and mine. It must be one or the other. So, I will choose His nature and live for His approval.

2 Timothy 4:8 (GWT)

The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again.