We Belong to God–No Compromise Allowed

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Many profess to love God, yet they are misdirected by their feelings and the opinions of others. We are promised a reward when we sincerely seek God. The quality and quantity of our prayers are an indication of our relationship with God. It is by faith that we commit all of our ways to God and patiently wait for His directives.

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

Every new day is a blessing and is an indication of God’s love, and the extension of His grace and mercies. We have an opportunity to serve God through utmost obedience when we commit all of our ways, decisions, and opportunities for his approval. Is God your everything, your all and all?

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Much conflict exists in the minds of those who fail to incorporate God into every aspect of their lives. They love God, but they are easily influenced by their circumstances, the amount of money they possess, or the lack of money. They are easily led astray by the thought processes of others who have devised ways to compromise the truth.

The human house, God’s building, requires close, watchful guardianship. The physical life is to be carefully educated, cultivated, and developed, that through men and women, the dividend nature may be revealed in its fullness. God expects men and women to use the intellect He has given them. He expects them to use every reasoning power for Him. We are to give the conscience the place of supremacy that has been assigned to it. The mental and physical powers, with the affections, are to be so cultivated that they can reach the highest efficiency. (Ellen G. White, 1900)

A physical hazard is an agent, factor, or circumstance that can cause harm without contact. …

In Matthew 10, Jesus called his disciples together to give them instructions regarding the physical hazards of the journey of discipleship. “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” v. 16. God has provided us with Biblical instructions and the innate ability to recognize the physical and spiritual hazards that will cause us to fall into dangerous situations.

One of the most tragic events occurred on November 18, 1978, in Jonestown, Guyana. “Jim Jones, a self-appointed American preacher and faith healer turned cult leader who conspired with his inner circle to direct a mass murder-suicide of his followers in his jungle commune at Jonestown, Guyana.” Over 900 individuals, including one-third of children, were injected with or drank poison and died.

In 1 Timothy 4, we are told that false teachers who include preachers, politicians, family members, etc., will attempt to influence us into making the wrong decisions. Stay true to what is right. 1 Timothy 4:16. Throughout the word of God, we are admonished to serve and honor God by our unwavering faith, trust, and obedience to him.

We are living in perilous times. There is a benefit to studying the Bible, praying, and being led by the Holy Spirit: We do not engage in behaviors that are detrimental to our physical and spiritual well-being. Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.'” Matthew 4:7. Our willingness to obey God is reflected in our actions; by the food and drink, we put into our bodies, the temperament of our emotions, the places we visit and the people that are in our social circles.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Our greatest obstacle lies within ourselves. Because of our sinful nature, it takes very little to make us fall into wrongdoing. The struggle to possess the meekness and humility to serve God is an ongoing battle. We must seek spiritual renewal every day. If we compromise our physical health by convincing ourselves that our bodies belong to ourselves, and we can make decisions that please us, then we have indeed lost our spiritual perspective of what God requires of us.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a desire for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Bible Reading: 1 John 2

Prayer: God, we are living in perilous times, and our minds are not steadfast because we are focusing on circumstances instead of your power. We pray for the forgiveness of excluding you from our lives. Please speak to us and guide us so that we are not influenced by others to place ourselves in harm’s way. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.