Diluted
- OkieState
- Nov 9, 2020
- 2 min read
Revelation 3:16 - So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Lord, it seems to me this world and your people have diluted your message, and it's creating chaos in ways we haven't seen in decades. We turn on the television, radio, and social media for information, rather than turning to the Bible, prayer, and fasting. We are quick to accept what we hear without question or serious thought to moral creed, discipline, or divine reason. We have become obsessed with pleasures and passions of this world, letting your presence in our minds and souls take a back seat to the cravings of our bodies and emotions. And sadly, we have rationalized this by diluting, manipulating the scriptures.
Lord, we have become weak, twisting your ancient, yet perfect and timeless teaching to fit what we want in the name of love. We have made this acceptable, rather than putting in the hard work, discomfort, and sacrifice to live in accordance with true doctrine. To humbly repent, address our sin nature, prune ourselves, and be refined in the fire is hard! It hurts, and in our weakness we find it nearly intolerable at times. It is not popular, and it goes against everything this world says is acceptable. Addressing our sin doesn't "feel" like love, so we discount it. We say to ourselves, if God truly loves us as His Word says, we wouldn't feel so much pain in repentance. So we discount the scriptures that painfully shape and mold us, saying they are outdated, irrelevant, or mis-interpreted.
But we are sorry, Lord. I am sorry. Have mercy on me, and show me where I am lukewarm. Give me the strength to withstand the hard work, repentance, and pruning. Have mercy on your people. Have mercy on this world. Send your Holy Spirit to teach and guide us, and help us to hear You - undiluted. And please Lord, I pray - dilute the noise of this world for all those who call on your Holy Name.
Amen.
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