Amending Our Ways and Deeds

Many of us have seen a time when a motion was made, and then, someone recommended that it be amended in some way before a vote was taken. The amendment modifies the action to be taken in some way. It could be a drastic change or a simple change. However, the change is needed before the one who makes the amendment will vote in favor of the motion. Let's see how this applies to our relationship with God.

God sent the prophet Jeremiah to warn the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the disastrous consequences of their sins. He told them just what God had told him to convey. (Jeremiah 7:3) The Lord of armies, the God of Israel said, "Amend your way and your deeds, and I will let you live in this place." God told them that they had to make amendments to receive His blessings.

When we become believers, we are adopted into God's family. He changes our hearts and gives us the mind of Christ, so we can live like Christ would have us to live. We want to do His will, too. (Philippians 2:13) However, He doesn't force us to listen to the Spirit or to go by His Word. If we don't walk in the Spirit we will drift away from Him.

Then, God can't bless us, because He would be blessing our sin, or encouraging us to sin. What He has to do is to punish us in a way that will lead us to come back to Him. We have to decide to amend our way, to turn around and go His way instead of our way. We have to amend our deeds by changing our actions to conform to His Word. We can't do it in our own power, but we have to take the first step. Then, the Spirit will direct us and empower us and bless us.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 8-10.