Return!

"Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!" (Hosea 14:1 NIV)

In the seventh chapter of Hosea, the prophet tells us that it is "pride" that keeps people from returning to The Lord. Although, the reference to the Children of Israel then was specifically for them, it is yet applicable to us, today. Understanding what God has said to others who came before us, is critical--knowing why it was said then and how it is applicable now!

When God came down from heaven and hung on the cross--the ultimate sacrifice for sin--He did it for everyone. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son so whoever believes in Him would be saved and not perish." (paraphrased) Whoever believes! Are we not all--whoevers?

In times past, God used those who were willing to speak for Him--though their lives were constantly in danger from those who did not believe God. His prophets--or spokespersons warned people time after time of the dangers they would encounter if they did not repent of their sins.

God is yet using those who are willing to be His spokespersons to warn people about their demise if they continue in sin. Why won't people hear? Their pride and egos get in the way. It is not that they do not know they sin--they have chosen to defy God's Word to pacify flesh and to do whatever they want to do. These are the people who "think" they are the masters of their own fate and it is pride that gives them the impetus to feel that way. They have forgotten that "pride" is one of the seven things God hates.

When we refuse to obey those in authority--pride opens the door to our downfall. We miss opportunities to achieve all that God desires because we don't want anyone telling us what to do. Why? Because we think we know better than God! Pride--has led people to public humiliation when they refuse to tell the truth; it has led people to expose their foolishness when they lie and think others are as foolish as they are; it has led to entire nations crumbling and ceasing to exist. Pride--the open door--to destruction.

When are we going to close the door on pride and return to The Lord, obeying Him rather than man?

Man's wisdom without God's guidance is fallible at best, and dangerous at most--totally useless. We cannot afford to follow the wisdom of foolish men who allow their pride to make decisions to the detriment of all mankind.

It is time to ignore the foolish pride of men who allow their egos and self-desires to rule over anyone; repent of our sins, and return to God--our Savior and Deliverer! We need to let pride go and let God abide in hearts, in total obedience to Him!