How can we ensure we do not "reject what is good" in life? Opening Passage “Israel has rejected what is good; the enemy will pursue him.” (Hosea 8:3) Why This Matters Rejecting what God calls “good” always invites loss, sorrow, and eventual judgment. Embracing the good secures blessing, peace, and fellowship with the Lord (Deuteronomy 30:15-16; Psalm 34:8-10). Historical Snapshot • Hosea ministered to the northern kingdom just before its fall to Assyria. • Outwardly prosperous, Israel mixed true worship with idolatry, trusted foreign alliances, and ignored God’s Law (Hosea 7:8-13). • Their “rejection” was deliberate neglect of God’s revealed will, not ignorance. Symptoms of Rejecting the Good Today • Treating Scripture as optional, cultural, or outdated (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Rationalizing sin because “everyone does it” (Judges 17:6). • Seeking security in wealth, politics, or relationships rather than the Lord (Psalm 20:7). • Valuing personal comfort over obedience (Luke 9:23-24). • Resisting correction from faithful believers (Proverbs 15:32). Four Safeguards to Embrace the Good 1. Test Everything by Scripture • “But examine all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • Regular, systematic Bible reading anchors discernment. 2. Cultivate a Soft Heart • Daily repentance keeps conscience tender (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Invite the Spirit to “search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Choose Loyal Companions • “He who walks with the wise will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). • Join a church that teaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 2:42). 4. Act Immediately on Light Received • Obedience solidifies truth; delay dulls conviction (James 1:22-25). • Small steps—apologies, restitution, lifestyle adjustments—keep momentum. Encouraging Promises When We Welcome the Good • Guidance: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) • Protection: “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) • Joy: “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111) Quick Review Checklist □ Am I measuring life decisions by clear Scripture? □ Do I repent quickly when convicted? □ Are my closest influences drawing me nearer to Christ? □ Am I acting promptly on what I already know is right? Choosing the good is not complicated; it is costly in the short term but priceless for eternity (Galatians 6:7-9). Israel’s warning becomes our invitation: cling to what God calls good, and enjoy His pursuing mercy rather than an enemy’s pursuit. |
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