As we mediate on spiritual things, we should think deeply and longingly about God’s goodness, because such reflections can motivate us to live a better life. The book of Psalms extols us on the joys of obeying God and the consequence of refusing to listen to Him as well as listening to those who discredit and ridicule Him.

Have you asked yourself lately do my friends and associates encourage me in my walk with God or do they discredit or ridicule Him?  It is important to know that friends and associates can have a profound influence on us in very subtle ways. If we insist on being friends with people who mock or ridicule what God considers important, we may fall into sin by becoming indifferent to God’s will.  Children of God need to be around people who will help build up their faith and help them draw closer or God and not hinder their relationship with Him. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

            Many have stifled the truth about God and believe in anything that supports their self-centered life-styles. God cannot tolerate sin because His nature is morally perfect and He cannot condone or ignore willful rebellion. However, He will restore sinners as long as they do not reject or distort the truth.  God endowed us with freedom of choice, but he is not accountable for our abuse of this exalted gift. Contrary to popular belief, God is not responsible for the evil and suffering which plague our planet. Man introduced sin into this environment, and so death and all its attendant evils have followed in the wake of human rebellion.

Let’s stop blaming God and seek His out His revelation of Himself through the scriptures and His creations. Don’t fool yourself. When the day comes for God to judge your response to Him, no excuses will be accepted.  Generally speaking, God reveals Himself in nature as of a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail, a God of order and beauty, a God who controls powerful forces. Through His Holy Word and the sacrifice of His son Jesus, He gives us a special revelation about His love, forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.