“Still, accepting God’s existence is one thing; honoring his command is another matter entirely, especially if we’re required to go back when we’d rather go forward.”
~Liz Curtis Higgs
from Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible~
This is the quote that In Other Words will be centered around today. In Other Words is being hosted over at Miriam's. The quote is in a discussion about Hagar in the book Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible. For your information ahead of time, a "slightly bad girl" is someone who loves God and often tries to follow, but still has trouble trusting at times. Isn't that just about all of us?
Accepting God's existence is pretty simple. God is the creator of all. In Psalms 19 it tells that His creation declares His glory without uttering a word. We can look all around and behold the glory of the Lord. The oceans and the mountains testify to a creator. The majesty of a sunrise and sunset show there is a God. Many people "believe in God". It is easy to look around and believe that "there is a God".
Honoring is a little bit different isn't it? Sounds like some action is involved! Honoring someone is basically showing reverence and respect to them. When we honor someone, we look up to or deeply respect that person. When we show honor, our actions reflect this attitude of respect. We are humbled and often put them first - ahead of ourselves in order to convey our admiration.
God has in place commands that He expects us to live by. These are in place for our good. They are firm and are very clear in His Word. Deep in our hearts we "know" His commands and we "know" when things are right and when they are wrong. Sometimes His commands don't flow with our desires in our lives. Sometimes we want to be like others who seem so together, etc., but we know in our spirit, what is right or wrong. Which way do we choose? The valley of decision is a deep one and one we should be on guard when we are there. God's Word is truth and it reveals His truth. Feeling and knowing are different. Our emotions, wants and desires will scream at us sometimes - "DO THIS". That still small voice will whisper " This is the way - walk ye in it". This is where honor can step in and make all the difference. Do we honor the Lord and put Him before our wants? It may seem like a step backward, but the Lord ordains our steps and has a plan just for us. He is faithful and will not lead us astray (like our emotions!), He can be trusted and since nothing is impossible with Him, He can make it happen! The best guideline is the Word of God and if we honor His Word and His commandments, He will guide us in His perfect paths.
Accepting God's existence is pretty simple. God is the creator of all. In Psalms 19 it tells that His creation declares His glory without uttering a word. We can look all around and behold the glory of the Lord. The oceans and the mountains testify to a creator. The majesty of a sunrise and sunset show there is a God. Many people "believe in God". It is easy to look around and believe that "there is a God".
Honoring is a little bit different isn't it? Sounds like some action is involved! Honoring someone is basically showing reverence and respect to them. When we honor someone, we look up to or deeply respect that person. When we show honor, our actions reflect this attitude of respect. We are humbled and often put them first - ahead of ourselves in order to convey our admiration.
God has in place commands that He expects us to live by. These are in place for our good. They are firm and are very clear in His Word. Deep in our hearts we "know" His commands and we "know" when things are right and when they are wrong. Sometimes His commands don't flow with our desires in our lives. Sometimes we want to be like others who seem so together, etc., but we know in our spirit, what is right or wrong. Which way do we choose? The valley of decision is a deep one and one we should be on guard when we are there. God's Word is truth and it reveals His truth. Feeling and knowing are different. Our emotions, wants and desires will scream at us sometimes - "DO THIS". That still small voice will whisper " This is the way - walk ye in it". This is where honor can step in and make all the difference. Do we honor the Lord and put Him before our wants? It may seem like a step backward, but the Lord ordains our steps and has a plan just for us. He is faithful and will not lead us astray (like our emotions!), He can be trusted and since nothing is impossible with Him, He can make it happen! The best guideline is the Word of God and if we honor His Word and His commandments, He will guide us in His perfect paths.
"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day". Psalms 25:5
Amen, great job!
ReplyDeleteOur emotions, wants and desires will scream at us sometimes - "DO THIS". That still small voice will whisper " This is the way - walk ye in it".
ReplyDeleteOh yes! So difficult to choose the small voice over everything else, but always worth it!
Thank you for participating in IOW this week!
Great Post. Thanks for sharing that this quote is about Hagar, I talked about her in my post today.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Perfectly said. I admit, I did not read the quote from Curtis-Higgs in context. (Although the title of her book intrigues me!) Love the story of Hagar - she is in all of us.
ReplyDeleteThe Psalmist's prayer must be the prayer of our heart EVERYDAY!
"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day".
Thanks for the reminder!
Kindest Thoughts
Esthermsy
"Where honor steps in and makes all the difference." Love it because its the truth. Honoring God's commands makes a very big difference. Thanks
ReplyDeletePowerful powerful powerful! I love it! "The valley of decision is a deep one and one we should be on guard when we are there. God's Word is truth and it reveals His truth. Feeling and knowing are different. Our emotions, wants and desires will scream at us sometimes - "DO THIS". That still small voice will whisper " This is the way - walk ye in it". This is where honor can step in and make all the difference." Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteWe tend to want to overlook the reality that God expects us to obey his commands. In a day when it's popular to wear a cross pendant even amongst the unbelieving, it's not so popular to live the life of the true Cross-Bearer. It's sadly considered untolerant.
ReplyDeleteGreat post today. I am so thankful for that still voice!
ReplyDeleteBonnie
"Sounds like some action is involved!"
ReplyDeleteGetting up and doing or going..that IS the tough part in honoring isn't it...
Honoring the commands...not always the EASY path, but undoubtedly the RIGHT one, every time!
peace,
lori
"The best guideline is the Word of God and if we honor His Word and His commandments, He will guide us in His perfect paths."
ReplyDeleteThis says it all, Joyfull. Amen.