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We live in a world full of pride. Pride is the greatest barrier between us and God. It causes us to choose what is in our best interest and what we desire over what God has for us. Israel in the time of Amos was full of pride. Their pride had led them far astray from their God. They were not willing to sacrifice those things for Him. They wanted to have one foot in and one out.
“Therefore, Israel, that is what I will do to you, and since I will do that to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God!”
Amos 4:12
They were so steeped in their pride that they could not hear God’s voice.
Do we reflect Israel in Amos’ time?
The early Church stands in great contrast to the Israelites in Amos; they humbly shared everything with one another because they were not concerned with the things of this world. They simply wanted to follow Christ and submit everything to Him. They were all in.
“Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.”
Acts 4:32
Are we sold out like the early Church?
There were some that still weren’t all in. The couple Ananias and Sapphira wanted to find an in-between. They wanted to keep one foot in the world and one following Christ, but they learned that wasn’t possible.
“Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard.”
Acts 5:4-5
Do we have one foot in and one foot out like Ananias and Sapphira?
In a society of pride, we are called to humble submission because our God is great. In a society of corruption, we are called to be renewed and sold out for His name. If we have let the society we live in to seep in, it is time for complete surrender.
Is the Pride in our heart so consuming that we can’t hear the voice of God calling us to return to Him?
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