It's Not Just About You

"If you rebel against the Lord today, tomorrow He will be angry 

with the entire community of Israel."

Joshua 22:18

For many of us we make choices in direct rebellion to God. While we may be aware of the consequences to ourselves, we can easily forget the consequences to others because of our rebellion. In Joshua we are reminded our rebellion today has consequences to those around us and to the next generation. Our culture is currently suffering the results of a previous generations rebellion. The previous generation experienced a "sexual revolution" that has led to a large number of single parent homes, rampant sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional repercussions of giving ourselves to multiple sexual partners. At the time, nobody saw anything wrong with the rebellious choices being made. 

What choices are we making personally and as a society that will leave lasting consequences to our children and grandchildren? Are we accepting rebellious choices as normal? Do we encourage deceitfulness and lies rather than stand up for the truth of God's word? Thankfully, there is corrective action we can take! 

Joshua continues writing: 

"Therefore we said: Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offering or sacrifice. Instead, it is to be a witness between us and you, and between the generations after us, so that we may carry out the worship of the Lord in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and fellowship offerings."

Joshua 22:26-27

We correct our course by turning from our selfish ways! Our society has become so in love with itself, we care little for God or His word. There are always consequences to disobedience. Just as there is punishment for my children when they disobey me, there is a punishment for disobedience in the children of God. It's not because I'm an evil or mean parent that I discipline my children. It's because I love them and do all I can to prevent them from harming themselves or others. And yet, when God is referred to as a disciplinarian, He is viewed as hateful and mean. This is just not true! It is out of His great love for us He instructs us to live in ways beneficial and not harmful to us. It is because He loves us He seeks time with us. It is because of His love that He is a God of second chances. Yet, we must not be so naive as to believe the chances are limitless. There is always a last chance. Don't wait until it's too late to turn from your ways. 

Build a new altar. Tear down the altar of self-worship and erect an altar of worship to the One Living God. Put your home under new management! Don't harm the next generation out of your own selfishness.