How can we align our actions to avoid being "counted as His enemy"? The Heart-Cry Behind the Verse “His anger burns against me, and He counts me among His enemies.” – Job 19:11 Job voices every believer’s deepest fear: standing on the wrong side of God’s holiness. Scripture promises we can escape that fate—yet only on God’s terms. How We Become God’s Enemy • Willful sin (Isaiah 59:2) • Prideful self-reliance (Proverbs 16:5) • Friendship with the world’s value system (James 4:4) • Neglect of God’s offered reconciliation in Christ (Hebrews 2:3) God’s Provision for Reconciliation • Romans 5:10 – “While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.” • 2 Corinthians 5:19 – “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them.” • Colossians 1:21-22 – Once alienated, now presented “holy, unblemished, and blameless” through Christ’s blood. Aligning Our Actions: Practical Steps • Repent promptly whenever sin surfaces (1 John 1:9). • Place full faith in Jesus’ finished work, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Embrace humble obedience to His commands (John 15:14). • Saturate the mind with Scripture, letting truth reshape desires (Psalm 119:11). • Cultivate the fear of the Lord—healthy awe that keeps choices in check (Proverbs 8:13). • Love righteousness and hate wickedness as He does (Psalm 45:7). • Keep short accounts with people; unforgiveness invites God’s discipline (Matthew 6:14-15). • Walk in the Spirit, producing His fruit instead of fleshly works (Galatians 5:16, 22-23). Daily Habits That Sustain Alignment • Begin each day submitting plans to Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Regularly examine motives under the light of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24). • Fellowship with believers who encourage holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Speak and act as Christ’s representative in every setting (Colossians 3:17). • Persist in gratitude; a thankful heart resists rebellion (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Encouragement for the Journey God does not desire to count anyone as His enemy; He delights in calling us friends (John 15:15). By trusting Christ and walking in ongoing obedience, we exchange enmity for intimate fellowship—standing forever on the side of our righteous, gracious King. |
    |